Asthma is a prevalent disease with marked effects on quality of life and economic societal burden. However, the cause of asthma and its pathophysiology are not completely defined. Recently, the possibility that chronic infection may play a role has been suggested.
Department of Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center and The Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206, USA.