Murine model of infection by Tropheryma whipplei.

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.