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Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Gut-derived bone infection in the neonatal rat
G Steinwender1, G Schimpl, B Sixl
1Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, A-8036 Graz, Austria. gerhardt.steinwender@kfunigraz.ac.at
Pediatric Research
|December 1, 2001
Summary
Formula feeding in newborn rats significantly increases the risk of osteomyelitis by allowing gut bacteria to translocate to the bone. Breast milk protects against this serious bone infection in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Osteomyelitis risk is elevated in premature and critically ill neonates.
- The source of bone infection is often unidentified despite potential bacterial entry sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of bacterial translocation from the intestine in neonatal osteomyelitis.
- To compare bone infection risk between breast-fed and formula-fed rat pups.
Main Methods:
- Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into breast-fed and formula-fed groups.
- Bacterial analysis of femur, blood, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and ileum was performed.
- Bacterial translocation and osteomyelitis were assessed using microbiologic procedures.
Main Results:
- Bacterial translocation occurred in 23% of breast-fed rats with no bone infections.
- Formula-fed rats showed elevated ileal bacterial counts and disrupted gut flora.
- All formula-fed rats experienced bacterial translocation, with 77% developing osteomyelitis.
Conclusions:
- Gut bacteria can translocate from the intestine to colonize bone in formula-fed neonates.
- The intestine is a potential origin for osteomyelitis in neonates.
- Breast milk appears protective against formula-associated bacterial translocation and osteomyelitis.
