Many studies have “associated” Chlamydia pneumonia with lung cancer. In non-smokers, Chlamydia pneumonia specific IgG and IgA antibodies were independently associated with the risk of lung cancer. Smoking increases the risk for developing chronic Chlamydia pneumonia; and chronic Chlamydia pneumonia and smoking combined present the highest risk for developing lung cancer.
A study by the American Association of Cancer Research, co-sponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, reported the higher the Chlamydia pneumonia antibody titers, in smokers, the greater the risk of developing lung cancer in subsequent years. The study concluded Chlamydia pneumonia had an “etiologic role” in the development of lung cancer, i.e. was a cause or contributing factor in the development of lung cancer; and suggested the potential for lung cancer risk reduction, by treatments targeted at Chlamydia pneumonia.
Kocazeybek B. 2003. Chronic Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection in lung cancer, a risk factor: a case–control study. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2003. 52:721-726. Doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.04845-0 04845.
Chaturvedi A, et al. 2010. Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection and Risk for Lung Cancer, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Jun 2010. 19(6):1498-505. Doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-1261. Epub. May 25, 2010.
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