title: Statins limit Rickettsia conorii infection in cells.
abstract: Recent data suggest that statins may have a beneficial effect during sepsis. In this study, we tested the effect of lovastatin and pravastatin on the cellular culture of Rickettsia conorii using a quantitative plaque assay model associated with an original image analysis algorithm. Statins added at the time of infection did not modify plaque formation, whereas pre-incubation with statins for 48h resulted in a significant 30-68% plaque reduction, depending on the tested compounds and doses. These preliminary findings raise the hypothesis that statins may prevent or moderate rickettsial disease in exposed people.
authors.affiliation: Unité des Rickettsies, URMITE CNRS UMR 6236, IRD 198, Marseille, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Botelho-Nevers
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rolain
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Espinosa
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Raoult
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003470:Culture Media; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007739:L Cells; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020114:Rickettsia conorii / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D008148:Lovastatin; D017035:Pravastatin