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Enterohepatic lesions in SCID mice infected with Helicobacter bilis
C L Franklin1, L K Riley, R S Livingston
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.
Abstract:
Helicobacter bilis is a recently identified species that colonizes the intestine and liver of mice. In immunocompetent mice, infections have been associated with mild hepatitis, and in immunocompromised mice, inflammatory bowel disease has been induced by intraperitoneal inoculation of the organism. We report inoculation of 6-week-old C.B-17 scid/scid mice by gastric gavage with approximately 10(7) H. bilis colony-forming units. Groups of mice were euthanized and necropsied 12, 24, and 36 weeks after inoculation. Mild to moderate proliferative typhlitis was evident in all mice at 12 and 36 weeks after inoculation and in most mice 24 weeks after inoculation. Mild to severe chronic active hepatitis was detected in 10 of 10 male mice and 3 of 10 female mice. These results indicate that H. bilis can cause moderate to severe enterohepatic disease in immunocompromised mice.
Insights
Helicobacter bilis infection causes significant enterohepatic disease in immunocompromised mice. This study details the development of typhlitis and hepatitis following H. bilis inoculation in scid/scid mice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter bilis is a newly identified bacterial species.
- Infections are linked to hepatitis in immunocompetent mice and inflammatory bowel disease in immunocompromised mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of H. bilis infection in immunocompromised mice.
- To characterize the enterohepatic disease caused by H. bilis.
Main Methods:
- C.B-17 scid/scid mice were inoculated with H. bilis via gastric gavage.
- Mice were necropsied at 12, 24, and 36 weeks post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- All mice exhibited mild to moderate proliferative typhlitis.
- Mild to severe chronic active hepatitis was observed, particularly in male mice.
- H. bilis induced moderate to severe enterohepatic disease in this model.
Conclusions:
- H. bilis is a potent pathogen capable of causing significant gastrointestinal and liver disease in immunocompromised hosts.
- The scid/scid mouse model is susceptible to H. bilis-induced enterohepatic pathology.
- Further research into H. bilis pathogenesis and host response is warranted.
