X-Message-Number: 28193
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Emerging Infectious Determinants of Chronic Diseases
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:09:27 +0200

Evidence now confirms that noncommunicable chron-
ic diseases can stem from infectious agents. Furthermore,
at least 13 of 39 recently described infectious agents
induce chronic syndromes. Identifying the relationships can
affect health across populations, creating opportunities to
reduce the impact of chronic disease by preventing or treat-
ing infection. As the concept is progressively accepted,
advances in laboratory technology and epidemiology facili-
tate the detection of noncultivable, novel, and even recog-
nized microbial origins. A spectrum of diverse pathogens
and chronic syndromes emerges, with a range of pathways
from exposure to chronic illness or disability. Complex sys-
tems of changing human behavioral traits superimposed on
human, microbial, and environmental factors often deter-
mine risk for exposure and chronic outcome. Yet the
strength of causal evidence varies widely, and detecting a
microbe does not prove causality. Nevertheless, infectious
agents likely determine more cancers, immune-mediated
syndromes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other
chronic conditions than currently appreciated.


Emerging Infectious Determinants of Chronic Diseases.
Siobh n M. O'Connor, Christopher E. Taylor, and James M. Hughes
Emerging Infectious Diseases   www.cdc.gov/eid   Vol. 12, No. 7, July  
2006


dss


David Stodolsky    Skype: davidstodolsky

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