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Duodenal adenomas in Balb/-c mice monoinfected with Clostridium perfringens
1Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
Abstract:
An outbreak of disease in multiparous females occurred in one isolator in a colony of Balb/-c germ-free mice. The affected isolator had been accidentally contaminated with Copyright Clostridium perfringens. Gross and histological examination of the diseased mice revealed lesions in the lungs, heart and intestinal tract. Lesions in the valvular endocardium and vascular walls were closely associated with bacterial colonies and septic thrombi containing Gram-positive rods. C perfringens type B was recovered in pure culture from the faeces, intestinal contents and atrial thrombi of the sick mice. Intestinal lesions varied, depending on the region of the intestine. The ileum showed shortened villi and ulceration of the mucosa. The duodenum of all the affected mice showed microscopic foci of polypoid adenomatous growth of the crypt epithelium. The significance of these unusual neoplastic lesions is discussed in the context of the growing evidence of an association between cell growth and bacterial cell products.
Insights
Clostridium perfringens contamination caused disease in germ-free mice, leading to lung, heart, and intestinal lesions. Unusual neoplastic growths were observed in the duodenum, suggesting a link between bacterial products and cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Germ-free mice are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens.
- Clostridium perfringens is an opportunistic bacterium known to cause various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of disease in a colony of germ-free mice.
- To characterize the gross and histological lesions associated with Clostridium perfringens infection.
- To explore the potential link between bacterial products and neoplastic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Gross and histological examination of affected mice.
- Bacteriological culture of feces, intestinal contents, and atrial thrombi.
- Identification of Clostridium perfringens type B.
Main Results:
- Disease outbreak linked to accidental Clostridium perfringens contamination.
- Lesions observed in lungs, heart, and intestinal tract.
- Bacterial colonies and septic thrombi found in valvular endocardium and vascular walls.
- Ileal lesions included shortened villi and mucosal ulceration.
- Duodenal crypt epithelium showed polypoid adenomatous growth.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium perfringens type B caused significant pathology in germ-free mice.
- The study highlights unusual neoplastic lesions in the duodenum.
- Findings suggest a potential association between bacterial products and aberrant cell growth.