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Abstract:
A laboratory infection of Yersinia enterocolitica in mice which closely resembles the naturally acquired human infection is described Intravenous inoculation of mice with small numbers of Y. enterocolitica gives rise to a systemic, pyogenic infection involving primarily the spleen, liver, and lungs. Massive neutrophil infiltration of these organs occurs early in the infection, eventually leading to large abscesses and pulmonary consolidation. Mice infected intragastrically show neutophil infiltration in the Peyer's patches of the distal ileum less than 24h postinfection. The Peyer's patches are unable to contain the infection which spreads to the mesenteric lymph node, causing large abscesses in the medullary regions. Soon after, the infection becomes systemic with abscesses forming in the liver, spleen, and lungs, and the total peripheral leukocyte count rises dramatically to over 30,000/mm2. A serological response, in the form of agglutinating antibody, begins to appear 2 weeks after infection. Possible causes of death and the usefulness of this infectious disease model are discussed.
Insights
This study details a mouse model for Yersinia enterocolitica infection, mimicking human disease. The model shows rapid systemic spread and abscess formation, useful for studying infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica causes human infections resembling natural acquisition.
- Understanding Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenesis is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a laboratory mouse model of Yersinia enterocolitica infection.
- To characterize the pathological and immunological responses to Yersinia enterocolitica infection in mice.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous and intragastric inoculation of mice with Yersinia enterocolitica.
- Histopathological examination of infected organs (spleen, liver, lungs, Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes).
- Monitoring of peripheral leukocyte counts and serological response (agglutinating antibody).
Main Results:
- Intravenous inoculation led to systemic infection with spleen, liver, and lung involvement, characterized by neutrophil infiltration and abscess formation.
- Intragastric inoculation resulted in Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node infection, progressing to systemic disease.
- Significant increase in peripheral leukocyte count (>30,000/mm2) and development of agglutinating antibodies by 2 weeks post-infection.
Conclusions:
- The described mouse model accurately replicates key features of human Yersinia enterocolitica infection.
- This model is valuable for investigating Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenesis, host immune responses, and potential therapeutic interventions.
- The study highlights the rapid progression of infection and the development of a humoral immune response.