Murine Model of Infection by Tropheryma whipplei

Abstract
We developed an animal model reproducing several aspects of Whipple's disease. Immunocompetent mice were persistently infected with Tropheryma whipplei , its etiological agent, and developed liver granulomas. SCID mice were infected similarly but did not develop tissue lesions. The delayed clearance of T. whipplei suggests a protective role for innate immunity.