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Uptake of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis through the distal small intestinal mucosa in goats: an
O G Sigur-Dardóttir1, C M Press, O Evensen
1Department of Pathology, National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway. olof.sigurdardottir@vetinst.no
Abstract:
Various pathogens gain access to the intestinal wall via specialized cells, the M cells, found among the follicle-associated epithelial cells overlying the domes of the Peyer's patches. The present study was undertaken to examine the uptake of live Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the distal small intestine of goat kids. Following laparotomy, distal small intestinal segments of five goats were ligated and injected with bacterial suspension. After 1 hour, the intestinal segments were excised and fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. M. a. paratuberculosis organisms were observed by transmission electron microscopy at locations in the intestinal wall, suggesting transcellular transportation through the M cells. The organisms were present both in the cytoplasm of the M cells and in the cytoplasm of intraepithelial leukocytes found in M-cell pockets. Intercellular bacteria between M cells were occasionally seen. Bacteria were not observed in association with the absorptive epithelium. This study indicates that in goat kids, M. a. paratuberculosis enters the intestinal wall primarily through the M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of the Peyer's patches.
Insights
This study shows Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis enters goat intestines through specialized M cells in Peyer's patches. These pathogens are found within M cells and associated leukocytes, not the absorptive epithelium.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Gastrointestinal Immunology
- Pathogen-Host Interactions
Background:
- Pathogens access the intestinal wall via specialized M cells in Peyer's patches.
- Understanding Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) intestinal uptake is crucial for controlling Johne's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake mechanism of live MAP in the distal small intestine of goat kids.
- To determine the primary route of MAP entry into the intestinal wall.
Main Methods:
- Live MAP suspension was injected into ligated segments of the distal small intestine in five goat kids.
- Intestinal segments were collected after 1 hour and analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- MAP organisms were observed within the intestinal wall, indicating transcellular transport through M cells.
- Bacteria were found in the cytoplasm of M cells and intraepithelial leukocytes within M-cell pockets.
- Intercellular bacteria between M cells were occasionally detected, but not associated with the absorptive epithelium.
Conclusions:
- MAP primarily enters the intestinal wall of goat kids through M cells in the follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches.
- This uptake mechanism highlights M cells as a key route for MAP infection in young goats.
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