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Chlamydia pneumoniae and Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms of Vascular Damage

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Abstract

In 1908 Sir William Osier first proposed a causative role of infection in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis [1]. The view that infectious processes may contribute to cardiovascular diseases did not gain wide support, as autopsy and epidemiological studies shifted the attention towards other mechanisms, some of which have now become established risk factors. In recent years, however, it has become apparent that recognised risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) do not fully explain the diversity of this disease, or why risk factor modifications have not reduced its incidence as much as has been predicted. Recent observations have prompted research into other potential and hitherto unrecognised influences in the causation of atherogenesis. Amongst these, chronic infection by Gram-negative bacteria and herpesviridae have been shown to have a major role. Current evidence indicates that chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection may play a causal role in atherogenesis.

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Authors
  1. J. C. Kaski
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  2. D. A. Smith
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy

    Luigi Allegra  & Francesco Blasi  & 

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Kaski, J.C., Smith, D.A. (1999). Chlamydia pneumoniae and Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms of Vascular Damage. In: Allegra, L., Blasi, F. (eds) Chlamydia pneumoniae. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2280-5_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2280-5_17

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0047-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2280-5

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