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Hepatic changes in mice chronically infected with Helicobacter trogontum
S B Moura1, D M M Queiroz, G A Rocha
1Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasília, DF, Brasil. sbmoura@icb.ufmg.br
Summary
Helicobacter trogontum infection in mice caused liver inflammation and histological changes. This suggests a potential role for Helicobacter in hepatobiliary disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hepatology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Helicobacter trogontum is an intestinal bacterium found in rats.
- The role of H. trogontum in host liver pathology is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lesions induced by H. trogontum in the liver of NIH germ-free female mice.
- To determine if H. trogontum infection elicits an inflammatory response in the mouse liver.
Main Methods:
- Germ-free female mice were infected with H. trogontum.
- Control mice received saline.
- Mice were analyzed at 6, 12, and 18 months post-inoculation.
- Microbiologic and histologic examinations of liver, cecum, colon, and stool samples were performed.
Main Results:
- H. trogontum was detected in the intestines and stool of infected mice.
- No H. trogontum was isolated from the liver.
- 86.7% of infected mice showed histological changes in the liver.
- Inflammatory infiltrates (mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells) were observed in the hepatic parenchyma.
Conclusions:
- H. trogontum infection can induce a hepatic inflammatory response in mice.
- These findings support a potential role for Helicobacter infection in the pathogenesis of hepatobiliary diseases.