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Electron microscopic appearance of the chronic Campylobacter jejuni enteritis of mice
Abstract:
Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of human enteritis which mimics the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, microstructural changes on the surfaces of the murine gastrointestinal tract persistently colonized by Campylobacter jejuni, strain GJ-S131, were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results revealed that the appearance of the gastrointestinal mucosa in both BALB/C and KM mice resembled that in human with inflammatory bowel disease. Under SEM, the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum, with broken or distorted villi had a "worm eaten" look; crypts were irregular in shape and size, and the mucosa showed atrophy, especially in the colon. Epithelial junctions demonstrated furrows, clefts or deep crevasses, with exudates containing a large number of leukocytes. Cytologic appearances were characterized by microvilli dysplasia and/or atrophy, patchy erosions or necrosis and pelade-like appearance due to absence of microvilli, which were similar to the findings under TEM.
Insights
Campylobacter jejuni infection causes significant microstructural damage in the mouse gut, mimicking human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study used electron microscopy to reveal severe changes in the gastrointestinal lining.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of human enteritis.
- This infection can present symptoms similar to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Understanding the gastrointestinal microstructural impact of C. jejuni is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microstructural changes in the murine gastrointestinal tract persistently colonized by Campylobacter jejuni strain GJ-S131.
- To compare these changes with human inflammatory bowel disease findings.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Examined the gastrointestinal tract surfaces of colonized BALB/C and KM mice.
- Focused on microstructural details of the mucosa, villi, crypts, and epithelial junctions.
Main Results:
- Murine gastrointestinal mucosa resembled human IBD, showing a "worm eaten" appearance with distorted villi in the jejunum and ileum.
- Observed irregular crypts, mucosal atrophy (especially in the colon), and damaged epithelial junctions with leukocyte exudates.
- Microvilli dysplasia/atrophy, erosions, necrosis, and pelade-like areas were evident, consistent across SEM and TEM.
Conclusions:
- Persistent Campylobacter jejuni colonization induces significant microstructural damage in the murine gastrointestinal tract.
- The observed pathological changes closely mimic those found in human inflammatory bowel disease.
- Provides a murine model for studying C. jejuni-induced gut pathology relevant to IBD.