Can infectious diseases increase the risk of stroke?

November 19, 1:34 PMInfectious Disease ExaminerRobert Herriman

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Researchers are investigating if infections may increase stroke risk

Sanja Gjenero

In the November 9 issue of the Archives of Neurology, researchers led by Mitchell Elkind, MD of Columbia University attempted to determine if there was an association between certain infections and the risk for stroke.

A prospective cohort study was designed to look at various risk factors and stroke incidence. Serological testing for 5 common diseases (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2) were performed.

There were 1625 participants with a mean age of 68.4 years and 65 % were female. Participants in the study were followed for a median of 8 years.

The researchers concluded that in this cohort, infection was associated with, although not significantly, with risk of stroke.

Further studies will be needed to confirm the findings of this study.