Cause 2. Infections: A Gateway to Inflammation
Infections are another significant cause of vasculitis. Both viral and bacterial infections can lead to blood vessel inflammation as the body attempts to mount an immune response to the invading pathogens. In some cases, the infection itself may directly attack the blood vessel walls, while in other instances, the immune system may mistakenly target the blood vessels in its effort to fight off the infection.
Viral hepatitis, for example, is a known cause of vasculitis. This infection can lead to inflammation and damage of blood vessels, particularly in the liver. Other viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), have also been associated with vasculitis.
Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis, can also result in vasculitis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, which can spread to nearby blood vessels and cause inflammation. In some cases, bacteria can directly invade blood vessel walls, while in other situations, the immune system’s response to the infection may inadvertently lead to blood vessel inflammation.
Treatment of vasculitis caused by infections typically involves addressing the underlying infection itself. In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed, while antiviral medications may be used for viral infections. In some cases, additional therapies may be necessary to manage the inflammation and damage caused by vasculitis. (2)
