Infectious agents and atherosclerotic vascular disease

The pathological changes underlying occlusive vascular disease show considerable overlap with those caused by a range of infections. Particular viral and bacterial pathogens have long been suspected of playing a part, directly or indirectly, in the process leading to atherosclerosis. We review recent evidence of links between infections and ischaemic heart disease, particularly in the case of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. Possible mechanisms for these associations are discussed.