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Spiral bacterium associated with gastric, ileal and caecal mucosa of mice
D M Queiroz1, C Contigli, R S Coimbra
1Laboratory of Research in Bacteriology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Abstract:
A spiral shaped bacterium was seen in smears and histological sections (stained by carbolfuchsin) of gastric, ileal and caecal mucosa as well as in stool smears from mice. A significant correlation between the presence of the spiral bacterium and the occurrence of gastritis was observed but the ileal and caecal mucosa seemed unaffected. The bacterium was Gram negative and grew on BHM and Skirrow's medium, under microaerophilic conditions, at 37 degrees C. Its major biochemical characteristics included positive catalase and oxidase reactions and a rapidly positive urease test. There were 2 or 3 spiral turns per cell and a tuft of up to 12 sheathed flagella on each pointed end. Entwined, braided periplasmic fibrils covered the surface of the cell. This spiral bacterium seemed to be part of the normal intestinal flora but was associated with gastritis.
Insights
A spiral bacterium found in mouse intestines correlates with gastritis. This bacterium, though potentially part of normal flora, is linked to gastric inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Health
Background:
- A spiral-shaped bacterium was identified in mouse gastrointestinal tracts.
- The bacterium was observed in gastric, ileal, and caecal mucosa, as well as stool samples.
- Gastritis was noted in conjunction with the presence of this spiral bacterium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a spiral bacterium found in mouse intestines.
- To investigate the association between the spiral bacterium and gastrointestinal conditions, specifically gastritis.
- To determine the bacterium's role in the intestinal flora.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of smears and histological sections (carbolfuchsin staining).
- Bacterial culture on BHM and Skirrow's medium under microaerophilic conditions at 37°C.
- Biochemical tests including catalase, oxidase, and urease assays.
- Morphological analysis, including cell shape, flagella, and surface structures.
Main Results:
- The spiral bacterium was Gram-negative and exhibited positive catalase, oxidase, and rapid urease reactions.
- Morphologically, the bacterium had 2-3 spiral turns, a tuft of flagella, and periplasmic fibrils.
- A significant correlation was found between the bacterium's presence and gastritis.
- Ileal and caecal mucosa appeared unaffected by the bacterium.
Conclusions:
- The identified spiral bacterium is associated with gastritis in mice.
- Despite its association with gastritis, the bacterium may be a component of the normal intestinal flora.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and ecological role of this bacterium.