Occult Fungal Infection as the Underlying Pathogenic Cause of Atherogenesis

In the 2004 paper by P.S.R.K. Sastry, the hypothesis was presented that occult fungal infections could be a significant pathogenic factor in the development of atherogenesis and consequently coronary heart disease (CHD). The paper linked atherosclerosis with inflammation and suggested that fungal infection might be a common factor underlying both atherogenesis and male pattern baldness, which is epidemiologically associated with CHD. The hypothesis drew support from the observation that treatments like statins and drug-coated stents, which have antifungal effects, are beneficial in treating CHD, suggesting that their effectiveness might be due to their antifungal properties rather than their intended pharmacological actions. The paper concluded that fungal infections could play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis and CHD, similar to how Helicobacter pylori was eventually recognized as the cause of peptic ulcer disease.