What is the relationship between chronic infections and stroke risk?
Chronic infections such as periodontitis, chronic bronchitis, and infection with Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, or cytomegalovirus may promote atherosclerosis and increase the risk of stroke. Additionally, hospitalization for infection appears to be a short-term risk factor for stroke, although it is unclear what, if any, management implications this has for patients. Several randomized trials of antibiotic therapy have failed to find any benefit in the prevention of cardiovascular end points, including stroke.