Chlamydia pneumoniae, the Heart, and Coronary Artery Disease: Is There a Cause and Effect Relationship?

The possibility that infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae may somehow contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis continues to be explored by researchers worldwide. A direct cause-and-effect relationship between the bacterium and subsequent development of atherosclerosis has yet to be proved. However, compelling indirect evidence continues to mount in favor of this association. In this article the most recent information on this topic is reviewed. Seroepidemiologic and histopathologic evidence will be highlighted, as well as recent animal models of infection and atherosclerosis. In addition, current studies looking at the association of antichlamydial antibiotic use and risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes will be detailed.