Iron and the role of Coxiella burnetii in heart disease

Abstract

Chronic infection of iron-loaded coronary arteries by Chlamydia pneumoniae has been proposed as a heart disease risk factor. Another bacterial pathogen associated with increased risk for development of atherosclerosis is Coxiella burnetii. Like Chl. pneumoniae, C. burnetii is inhaled, multiplies in alveolar macrophages, subsequently becomes associated with arterial disease, and is enhanced by iron loading. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 14:409–410, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.