Supra-Additive Expression of Interleukin-6, Interleukin-8 and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Following Coinfection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and Cytomegalovirus as a Novel Link between Infection and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia pneumoniae and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Prospective studies indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular events in patients with evidence of multiple infections.