0000000000890473
AUTHOR
Wolfgang Schlumberger
Impact of Viral and Bacterial Infectious Burden on Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Background —The number of infectious pathogens to which an individual has been exposed (infectious burden) may correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD). In a prospective study, we evaluated the effect of 8 pathogens and the aggregate pathogen burden on the risk for future fatal cardiac events among patients with angiographically documented CAD. Methods and Results —In 1018 patients, IgG or IgA antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Haemophilus influenzae , Chlamydia pneumoniae , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , and Helicobacter pylori were determined. Moreover, highly sensitive C-reactive protein was measured. Follow-up information on cardiovascul…
Impact of infectious burden on extent and long-term prognosis of atherosclerosis.
Background — Recent findings suggest a causative role of infections in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In hypothesizing an association between infectious agents and the development of atherosclerosis, we would expect a correlation to the extent of atherosclerosis. Moreover, this effect could be multiplied by the number of pathogens to which an individual had been exposed. Methods and Results — In 572 patients, IgG or IgA antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Hemophilus influenzae , Chlamydia pneumoniae , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , and Helicobacter pylori were measured. The extent of atherosclerosis was determined by coronary angiography, carotid…
Impact of infectious burden on progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
Background and Purpose— Recent findings suggest a causative role of infections in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The extent of atherosclerosis and the prognosis of patients with atherosclerosis seem to be increased by the number of infections to which an individual has been exposed. In a prospective study, we evaluated the effect of 8 pathogens and the aggregate pathogen burden on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Methods— In 504 patients (74.9% men; age, 62.9±10 years), we measured intima-media thickness and prevalence of carotid artery stenosis. Follow-up measurements after a mean of 2.5 years were available in 427 patients (85%). Blood samples were taken, and IgG or IgA …