Coronary heart disease and Chlamydia pneumoniae - Provisional results

Inflammatory events play a key role in various stages of coronary arteriosclerosis. The discussion on a possible influence of infectious components is still ongoing and controversial. Whereas seroepidemiologic data do rather not support a major interrelationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and coronary artery disease, there is growing evidence from histopathology molecular biology and animal studies focused on coronary artery lesions. Recent data from clinical trials are uncertain, antibiotic treatment outside clinical trials is not justified. In the near future, large trials will give clear messages concerning possible indications, efficacy and safety of a coronary macrolid medication.