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Published on: August 8, 2014
Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in mouse models: relevance for atherosclerosis research
Martijn D de Kruif1, Eric C M van Gorp, Tymen T Keller
1Laboratory of Experimental Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.d.dekruif@amc.uva.nl
Abstract:
Mouse models have been frequently used in the study of Chlamydia pneumoniae (also known as Chlamydophila pneumoniae) infections. This gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium causes respiratory infections, followed by dissemination of the bacterium to various organs throughout the body, including cardiovascular tissues, supporting the current hypothesis of a relationship between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis. Recently, clinical trials evaluated the effect of antichlamydial antibiotics on secondary cardiovascular events. Although small studies showed some effect, the large WIZARD study did not confirm these results, and the role of antichlamydial antibiotics in prevention of secondary events was questioned. To address these issues, data obtained from mouse models were systematically reviewed here. C. pneumoniae infections showed atherogenic properties in mice that were reproducible and confirmed by different research groups. However, antibiotic therapy was of limited value in these mouse models. Antibiotic therapy effectively cleared the acute infection, but did not influence the atherogenic properties of C. pneumoniae unless the therapy was started early during the acute infection. The results summarized here may help to better understand the results of the clinical antibiotic trials.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae infections promote atherosclerosis in mice, but antibiotics only help if given early. This review clarifies antibiotic effectiveness for C. pneumoniae infections and cardiovascular disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a bacterium linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Mouse models are crucial for studying C. pneumoniae infections and their link to atherosclerosis.
- Clinical trials on antichlamydial antibiotics for cardiovascular events yielded conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review data from mouse models on C. pneumoniae infections.
- To evaluate the atherogenic properties of C. pneumoniae in mice.
- To assess the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in C. pneumoniae-infected mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published mouse model studies on Chlamydia pneumoniae infections.
- Analysis of studies investigating the link between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis development.
- Evaluation of the impact of antibiotic treatment timing on infection clearance and atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- C. pneumoniae infection consistently demonstrated atherogenic properties in reproducible mouse models.
- Antibiotic therapy effectively eradicated acute C. pneumoniae infections.
- Antibiotic treatment did not prevent atherosclerosis unless initiated early during the acute infection phase.
Conclusions:
- C. pneumoniae infection has a causal role in atherosclerosis development in mouse models.
- The timing of antibiotic intervention is critical for mitigating C. pneumoniae-induced atherogenesis.
- Findings may help interpret clinical trial outcomes regarding C. pneumoniae and cardiovascular disease.
