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RESULTS OF THE INTRATRACHEAL INJECTION OF THE BORDET-GENGOU BACILLUS IN THE MONKEY AND RABBIT
D H Sprunt1, D S Martin, S McDearman
1Departments of Pathology and Bacteriology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
Abstract:
Experiments are reported which show that the virulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus can produce a significant lymphocytosis and an interstitial mononuclear pneumonia in both the monkey and the rabbit. Both of these reactions occur apparently as the result of a toxic material formed in vivo from the Bordet-Gengou bacillus and are not dependent on the multiplication of the organism itself. It was also shown that the strictly avirulent form could also cause an interstitial mononuclear pneumonia but no lymphocytosis. This interstitial mononuclear pneumonia was thought to be the result of the foreign substance produced by the organism when it was in this stage. This was substantiated by the fact that this lesion could be produced both by living and dead organisms.
Insights
The virulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus causes lymphocytosis and pneumonia in animals via toxins, not bacterial growth. Avirulent forms induce pneumonia through foreign substances, irrespective of viability.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Bordet-Gengou bacillus is a pathogen known for respiratory infections.
- Understanding the mechanisms of Bordet-Gengou bacillus pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of virulent and avirulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus.
- To determine if bacterial multiplication or toxic products are responsible for observed host reactions.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of monkeys and rabbits with virulent and avirulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus.
- Observation and analysis of induced host responses, including lymphocytosis and pneumonia.
- Inclusion of both live and dead organisms to differentiate between toxic effects and infection.
Main Results:
- Virulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus induced significant lymphocytosis and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia.
- These reactions were attributed to toxic material produced in vivo, independent of bacterial multiplication.
- Avirulent Bordet-Gengou bacillus caused interstitial mononuclear pneumonia but not lymphocytosis.
- Pneumonia induced by avirulent forms was linked to foreign substances, regardless of organism viability.
Conclusions:
- Pathogenicity of Bordet-Gengou bacillus involves both toxic products and foreign substances.
- Virulent strains produce toxins causing systemic (lymphocytosis) and local (pneumonia) effects.
- Avirulent strains induce pneumonia via foreign substance reactions, highlighting different pathogenic pathways.
