Infection With <i>Chlamydia pneumoniae</i> Accelerates the Development of Atherosclerosis and Treatment With Azithromycin Prevents It in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

Intranasal C pneumoniae infection accelerates intimal thickening in rabbits given a modestly cholesterol-enhanced diet. In addition, weekly treatment with azithromycin after infectious exposure prevents accelerated intimal thickening. These findings strengthen the etiologic link between C pneumoniae and atherosclerosis and should stimulate additional animal and human studies, including clinical antibiotic trials.