Chronic Staphylococcus aureus Superantigen Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 Exposure Accelerates the Progression of Atherosclerosis in Rabbits

Background It has been reported that infectious agents contribute to the atherosclerotic process. However, it is unclear whether Staphylococcus aureus superantigen (SAg) toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) has an effect on atherosclerosis progression. The present study was designed to investigate the pathogenic role of TSST-1 exposure in the atherosclerotic process in rabbits.