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Inoculation of Staphylococcus xylosus in SJL/J mice to determine pathogenicity
Venita B Thornton1, Judith A Davis, Mark B St Clair
1Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Abstract:
An experimental study was performed to investigate whether intradermal tail inoculations of Staphylococcus xylosus would result in pathologic lesions in the SJL/J strain of mice (Mus musculus). This organism historically has been classified as a nonpathogenic, commensal bacterium associated with skin and mucous membranes and rarely implicated in infections. In this study, SJL/J mice inoculated with S. xylosus developed cutaneous tail lesions post-inoculation, and the organism was recovered from those lesions. Inoculation was accomplished by surgically inserting silk suture impregnated with the concentrated suspension of bacteria. In addition, a superficial abrasion was created adjacent to the suture, and a bacterial suspension was applied. Approximately 80% of the mice in the inoculated groups developed dermatologic lesions, compared with 0% in the control group. Mice with lesions were treated with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim in the drinking water continuously for 28 days. For the mice assigned to the treatment group, this treatment resulted in resolution of the cutaneous tail lesions.
Insights
Staphylococcus xylosus, a nonpathogenic bacterium, caused skin lesions in mice. Treatment with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim resolved these experimental cutaneous lesions, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus xylosus is typically a nonpathogenic commensal bacterium.
- It is rarely implicated in causing infections in mammals.
- Previous research has not extensively documented its pathogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus xylosus.
- To determine if intradermal tail inoculation causes lesions in SJL/J mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim in treating induced lesions.
Main Methods:
- SJL/J mice were inoculated intradermally in the tail with Staphylococcus xylosus.
- Inoculation involved silk sutures impregnated with bacteria and superficial abrasion.
- Lesions were monitored, and bacterial recovery was performed. Treatment group received Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim in drinking water.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of inoculated mice developed cutaneous tail lesions.
- Staphylococcus xylosus was successfully recovered from the induced lesions.
- Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim treatment led to the resolution of lesions in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus xylosus can induce pathologic cutaneous lesions in SJL/J mice.
- Experimental S. xylosus infection in mice is treatable with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim.
- This study highlights a potential pathogenic role for S. xylosus under specific experimental conditions.