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SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE YOUNG WHITE MOUSE (MUS MUSCULUS) TO EXPERIMENTAL LEPTOSPIROSIS
Abstract:
The failure of even special methods to induce infection indicates that not all strains of young white laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are uniformly susceptible to fatal infection with Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae. Some strains of this species develop early pathological changes characteristic of the infection and harbor the organism in their kidneys, but do not succumb. Therefore not all strains of white mice are suitable for use in the diagnostic mouse protection test for leptospirosis described by Larson.
Insights
Not all white mouse strains are equally susceptible to fatal Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae infection. Some mice show disease signs and harbor the bacteria but survive, impacting leptospirosis diagnostic test suitability.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae causes leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease.
- The diagnostic mouse protection test relies on uniform mouse susceptibility.
- Previous studies have not fully addressed strain-specific susceptibility in Mus musculus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the uniform susceptibility of different white laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) strains to fatal Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae infection.
- To determine if specific mouse strains are suitable for the diagnostic mouse protection test for leptospirosis.
Main Methods:
- Infection induction attempts using special methods in various mouse strains.
- Observation of pathological changes and organism presence in kidneys.
- Assessment of mortality rates across different mouse strains.
Main Results:
- Failure of infection induction methods in some mouse strains.
- Development of pathological changes and renal carriage of Leptospira in non-fatal infections.
- Significant variation in susceptibility and mortality among different mouse strains.
Conclusions:
- Not all strains of Mus musculus are uniformly susceptible to fatal Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae infection.
- Certain mouse strains are unsuitable for the diagnostic mouse protection test due to lack of uniform fatal outcome.
- Strain selection is critical for reliable leptospirosis diagnostic testing in animal models.
