Histopathogenesis of experimental Mycobacterium bovis infection in mice

In-bred strains of mice are commonly used to model pathogenic infections due to their cost and utility. In order to understand better the nature of experimental tuberculosis in mice, we infected BALB/c mice with a virulent field isolate of Mycobacterium bovis. Mice were sacrificed at intervals in order to visualise the pathological lesions in major internal organs. Pathological lesions in tissues increased in number and severity over time and replicated many of the salient features observed in badgers and cattle infected with M. bovis. These similarities are discussed. Examination of pathological lesions at terminal stages of infection enabled us to suggest the lethal effects of M. bovis mediated through the host response. We conclude that the mouse is a relevant surrogate species in which to study the virulence of M. bovis, as well as the influence of vaccination on its pathogenicity.