| Theme | Arteriosclerosis in Hemodialysis Patient | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Chronic infection and atherosclerosis | |
| Publish Date | 2002/01 | |
| Author | Shinsuke Muto | Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo |
| Author | Ryozo Nagai | Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] | Inflammation has been implicated as a cause of atherosclerosis for over 100 years. In recent years, there is growing evidence that certain persistent bacterial and viral infections are involved in atherosclerosis. The association of coronary artery disease (CAD) and Chlamydia infection is firmly established, but the mechanism is yet to be clarified. The link with other infectious agents, such as Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus and coxsackie B virus is more controversial. Infection with cytomegalovirus appears to be associated with a greater risk of restenosis after angioplasty and CAD after heart transplantation rather than primary atherosclerosis. Large randomized clinical trials to establish the benefits of antimicrobial therapy in CAD are in progress. The results may lead to the use of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of CAD in the future. | |