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Helicobacter bilis-associated hepatitis in outbred mice.
James G Fox1, Arlin B Rogers, Mark T Whary
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Comparative Medicine
|December 4, 2004
Summary
Helicobacter bilis infection causes hepatitis in Swiss Webster mice, leading to liver inflammation. This infection can impact experimental outcomes, particularly in older female mice.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Helicobacter bilis is a globally prevalent mouse pathogen.
- Its role in causing enterohepatic disease in outbred Swiss Webster (SW) mice remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Helicobacter bilis infection and hepatitis in SW mice.
- To determine if infection status correlates with seroconversion and liver inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Culture and PCR analysis of intestinal and liver specimens from SW mice.
- Histological examination of liver tissues for inflammatory lesions.
- ELISA to detect seroconversion to H. bilis outer membrane antigen.
Main Results:
- H. bilis was isolated from the colon of infected mice; liver presence was rare.
- PCR detected H. bilis DNA in 10/27 livers, predominantly in older mice.
- H. bilis infection was linked to increased chronic inflammatory lesions in the liver, especially in older female mice.
- Seroconversion to H. bilis was observed in 8/11 infected mice.
Conclusions:
- Helicobacter bilis infection is associated with hepatitis in SW mice.
- The presence of H. bilis can potentially confound experimental results in research settings.