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Choroiditis and meningitis in experimental murine infection with Listeria monocytogenes
N Prats1, V Briones, M M Blanco
1Departamento de Patología Animal I, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
In a study of central nervous system involvement in experimental listeriosis 27 Swiss CD1 mice were inoculated subcutaneously with Listeria monocytogenes. Systemic infection developed, as shown by the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes and histopathological lesions in the spleen and liver. In the central nervous system a mixed inflammatory infiltration in the ventricular system, especially in the choroid plexus, and leptomeningitis were the most relevant lesions. Inflammatory lesions were associated with the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, as demonstrated by a positive anti-Listeria monocytogenes immunoperoxidase reaction within phagocytic cells. It is suggested that choroiditis and meningitis developed as a consequence of hematogenous dissemination of Listeria monocytogenes within mononuclear phagocytes and penetration of these cells into the ventricular system through the choroid plexus.
Insights
This study shows Listeria monocytogenes can infect the central nervous system in mice. The bacteria spread via the bloodstream, causing meningitis and inflammation in the brain, particularly the choroid plexus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement can lead to severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the CNS involvement in experimental listeriosis.
- To elucidate the mechanism of Listeria monocytogenes entry into the CNS.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous inoculation of Swiss CD1 mice with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Isolation of bacteria and histopathological examination of organs (spleen, liver, CNS).
- Immunoperoxidase staining to detect Listeria monocytogenes within phagocytic cells.
Main Results:
- Systemic infection confirmed by bacterial isolation and lesions in spleen and liver.
- Significant inflammatory lesions, including choroiditis and leptomeningitis, were observed in the CNS.
- Listeria monocytogenes was detected within phagocytic cells in inflammatory lesions, indicating bacterial presence.
Conclusions:
- Hematogenous dissemination of Listeria monocytogenes within mononuclear phagocytes is a likely route to the CNS.
- Choroiditis and meningitis develop due to the penetration of infected phagocytic cells into the ventricular system via the choroid plexus.