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Published on: December 10, 2016
Colitis associated with Clostridium difficile in specific-pathogen-free C3H-scid mice
Akihiro Kawano1, Manabu Ikeda, Riichirou Iritani
1Laboratory Animal Development and Research Group, Research Center for Radiation Safety, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|October 6, 2007
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection caused colitis in specific-pathogen-free mice, leading to soft feces and reduced breeding rates. This is the first report of natural C. difficile infection in SPF mice presenting clinical signs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) C3H-scid mouse colonies are crucial for research.
- Clinical signs including soft feces and decreased delivery rates were noted in a breeding colony.
- Gross and histopathological findings revealed cecal and colonic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of colitis in SPF C3H-scid mice.
- To document the first natural infection of Clostridium difficile in a mouse model with clinical signs.
Main Methods:
- Routine microbiological examination.
- Anaerobic bacterial examination of cecal contents.
- Histopathological analysis of affected tissues.
Main Results:
- Routine tests did not detect pathogenic microorganisms.
- Clostridium difficile, producing Toxin A, was isolated via anaerobic examination.
- Histopathology confirmed severe cecal submucosal edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the ceca and colon.
Conclusions:
- The affected SPF mice were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile-associated colitis.
- This study reports the first case of natural Clostridium difficile infection in SPF mice exhibiting clinical symptoms.
- The findings highlight the potential impact of C. difficile on mouse breeding colonies.
