Atherosclerosis: An infectious disease?

Traditional risk factors do not fully account for atherogenesis. There is i ncreasing evidence that infectious pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, may promote the atherosclerotic cascade. Proposed mechanisms include macrophage transformation, endothelial injury, chronic inflammation, and thrombosis. Specific antibiotic therapy may affect outcome.