Lessons for atherosclerosis research from tuberculosis and peptic ulcer.

Knowledge of the causes of a disease is essential to the effective alteration of factors affecting the disease's incidence. The history of the medical understanding of tuberculosis and peptic ulcer shows that we may neglect to consider the contribution of microorganisms to long-term or recurring diseases. The author presents evidence that we may similarly be overlooking the role of microorganisms in atherosclerosis. A collaborative, comprehensive investigation of the role of microorganisms in atherosclerosis is needed to understand the cause of this disease.