Dietary supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid does not alter the resistance of mice to Listeria monocytogenes infection

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been used experimentally as a dietary su pplement to increase lean body weight and to modulate inflammation in a var iety of animal species. In addition, human use of dietary CLA as a suppleme nt to regulate body fat has received both scientific and public attention. No reports have been published regarding the effects of dietary CLA on anti microbial resistance. In this study, we provide evidence that feeding CLA f or up to 4 wk does not alter host defense against Listeria monocytogenes in mice. These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of CLA do not impair cellular immunity to this intracellular pathogen.