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Published on: February 14, 2011
Experimental Borrelia burgdorferi infection of outbred mice
T Masuzawa1, Y Beppu, H Kawabata
1Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi strain 297 in normal outbred ddY mice was examined. Strain 297 was inoculated intraperitoneally in 3-week-old outbred ddY mice. B. burgdorferi was routinely cultured from the heart and urinary bladder 5 to 84 days postinoculation. The combined isolation rate from both heart and urinary bladder was significantly higher than the rate from spleen, kidney, liver, urine, and blood samples. Three- and 10-week-old mice were infected with inocula of 10(4) and 10(5) or more, respectively. Passive transfer of undiluted and 10-fold-diluted anti-297 rabbit serum and active immunization of 50 to 100 micrograms of lyophilized whole cells completely protected mice from infection with B. burgdorferi. These results suggest that the outbred mouse is a convenient model for experimental infection with B. burgdorferi.
Insights
This study shows that outbred ddY mice are a suitable model for Borrelia burgdorferi infection. The bacteria were consistently found in the heart and bladder, and mice were protected by antiserum or immunization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease.
- Understanding its infectivity in animal models is crucial for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi strain 297 in outbred ddY mice.
- To determine the suitability of this mouse model for experimental Borrelia infections.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of Borrelia burgdorferi strain 297 into 3-week-old outbred ddY mice.
- Bacterial culture from various organs (heart, urinary bladder, spleen, kidney, liver, urine, blood) at different time points.
- Assessment of protection using passive transfer of anti-297 rabbit serum and active immunization with lyophilized whole cells.
Main Results:
- Borrelia burgdorferi was routinely cultured from the heart and urinary bladder up to 84 days post-inoculation.
- Higher isolation rates were observed from the heart and urinary bladder compared to spleen, kidney, liver, urine, and blood.
- Both passive antibody transfer and active immunization conferred complete protection against infection.
Conclusions:
- Outbred ddY mice serve as a convenient and effective model for studying Borrelia burgdorferi experimental infections.
- The heart and urinary bladder are key organs for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi in this mouse model.
- Immunological interventions, including antiserum and whole-cell vaccination, demonstrate efficacy in preventing Borrelia burgdorferi infection.
