Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a role in asthma pathogenesis?
The potential role of atypical bacterial infection in the pathogenesis of asthma is a subject of continuing debate. There is an increasing body of literature concerning the association between the atypical bacteria Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae and asthma pathogenesis; however, many studies investigating such a link have been uncontrolled and have provided conflicting evidence, in part due to the difficulty in accurately diagnosing infection with these atypical pathogens. This article reviews the evidence for an association between atypical bacterial respiratory pathogens and the pathogenesis of asthma, and discusses the biological mechanisms that could account for such a link. The possible role of antibacterial therapy in the management of asthma and the need for well-designed studies to investigate this is also discussed.
Johnston
Sebastian L
SL
Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute and Wright Fleming Institute of Infection and Immunity, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK. s.johnston@imperial.ac.uk
Martin
Richard J
RJ
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016993:Chlamydophila pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents