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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model
Published on: May 31, 2010
Adherence and pathogenesis of Salmonella enteritidis in mice
1Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.
Abstract:
Adherence of many pathogenic organisms to the host cells has been associated with the presence of fimbriae. The exact role of these organelles in the adherence and pathogenesis of Salmonella enteritidis is not well established. Utilizing hemagglutination tests, S. enteritidis was shown to possess type 1 and type 3 fimbriae. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the isolated fimbriae showed that type 1 and 3 fimbriae of S. enteritidis had subunit M.r of 17 and 22 kDa, respectively. In vitro adherence assays suggested that S. enteritidis utilized type 1 fimbriae to adhere to human buccal and mouse small intestine epithelial cells. In addition, antibody produced against type 1 and type 3 fimbriae protected the mice from infection with a lethal dose of S. enteritidis. These results suggest that type 1 and possibly type 3 fimbriae are involved in the adherence and pathogenesis of S. enteritidis. The data further suggest that they may have a role in the adherence and pathogenesis of the other enteric organisms.
Insights
Salmonella enteritidis uses type 1 fimbriae for adherence to host cells. Antibodies against type 1 and type 3 fimbriae protected mice, suggesting their role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathogenesis
- Bacterial Adherence
Background:
- Pathogenic organisms often adhere to host cells via fimbriae.
- The specific role of fimbriae in Salmonella enteritidis adherence and pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of fimbriae in Salmonella enteritidis.
- To determine the role of fimbriae in the adherence and pathogenesis of S. enteritidis.
Main Methods:
- Hemagglutination tests were used to identify fimbriae types.
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) determined subunit molecular weights.
- In vitro adherence assays assessed bacterial attachment to epithelial cells.
- Immunization with fimbrial antibodies was used in a mouse infection model.
Main Results:
- S. enteritidis was confirmed to possess type 1 and type 3 fimbriae.
- Type 1 and type 3 fimbriae subunits had molecular weights of 17 and 22 kDa, respectively.
- Type 1 fimbriae mediated adherence to human buccal and mouse intestinal epithelial cells in vitro.
- Antibodies against type 1 and type 3 fimbriae conferred protection against lethal S. enteritidis infection in mice.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 fimbriae are involved in the adherence of S. enteritidis to host cells.
- Type 1 and potentially type 3 fimbriae play a role in S. enteritidis pathogenesis.
- These fimbriae may be important virulence factors for other enteric organisms as well.
