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Published on: January 27, 2021
MICROBIC VIRULENCE AND HOST SUSCEPTIBILITY IN PARATYPHOID-ENTERITIDIS INFECTION OF WHITE MICE : IV. THE EFFECT OF
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Abstract:
If mice surviving a lethal dose of mouse typhoid bacilli are inbred consecutively for a number of generations, the resulting offspring become progressively more resistant to mouse typhoid infection and to mercury bichloride intoxication than similar control mice not so selected.
Insights
Selective breeding of mice that survived lethal Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (mouse typhoid) infections led to offspring with increased resistance to both typhoid and mercury bichloride toxicity. This demonstrates a heritable trait for enhanced resilience.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Mouse typhoid, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, is a lethal bacterial infection.
- Mercury bichloride is a toxic heavy metal compound.
- Understanding factors influencing resistance to infection and intoxication is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of selective inbreeding on resistance to mouse typhoid.
- To determine if enhanced resistance extends to other forms of intoxication, such as mercury bichloride poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Mice surviving a lethal dose of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium were selected for consecutive inbreeding over multiple generations.
- Offspring from selected and control (unselected) groups were challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and mercury bichloride.
- Resistance levels were compared between the inbred and control groups.
Main Results:
- Offspring from selectively bred mice showed progressively increased resistance to mouse typhoid infection compared to control mice.
- The inbred offspring also exhibited significantly greater resistance to mercury bichloride intoxication than control mice.
- This indicates a heritable component to resistance influenced by selective breeding.
Conclusions:
- Consecutive inbreeding of survivors of lethal Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection can enhance resistance to the infection.
- This enhanced resistance is also transferable to resistance against mercury bichloride intoxication, suggesting a shared underlying mechanism.
- Selective breeding is a viable strategy for increasing resilience to specific pathogens and toxins.
