Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced atherosclerosis in a rabbit model.

In order to establish a causative relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis, animal models have been proposed. In a rabbit model, arterial intimal thickening has been induced by direct intravascular and intranasal inoculation with C. pneumoniae. C. pneumoniae infection can induce significant acceleration of atherosclerosis in a mildly hyperlipidemic rabbit model but is prevented by treatment with azithromycin. Together these preliminary rabbit experiments suggest that C. pneumoniae may play a causative role in atherosclerosis. More animal studies are underway that are designed to address further mechanistic and therapeutic questions regarding the association between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis.