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INFECTION OF MICE WITH MAMMALIAN TUBERCLE BACILLI GROWN IN TWEEN-ALBUMIN LIQUID MEDIUM
C Pierce1, R J Dubos, G Middlebrook
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Abstract:
Introduction of the bacilli by the mtravenous route or by feeding gives rise to a disease predominantly localized in the lungs. Following intracerebral infection, the bacilli first multiply rapidly in the brain tissue, and then invade other organs, producing lesions especially in the lungs. Injection of the bacilli by the intraperitoneal route is less effective than by either the intravenous or intracerebral routes; however, admixture of the bacilli with some of the components of egg yolk increases both the infectivity and the pulmonary localization. Different strains of mice differ markedly in their susceptibility to experimental tuberculous infection; the highest susceptibility was observed among the pigmented strains (line 1 dba and C57 black). Greater resistance does not appear to depend on the ability to prevent the establishment of infection, but rather corresponds to a slower rate of progression of the infectious process. It is possible to produce in mice tuberculosis presenting any desired degree of acuteness or chronicity by controlling certain factors which condition the initiation and the progression of the infection.
Insights
Tuberculosis (TB) infection in mice varies by route of administration and mouse strain. Researchers found that controlling infection factors can alter the disease
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of TB is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different inoculation routes on TB development in mice.
- To determine the influence of mouse strain on TB susceptibility and progression.
- To explore methods for controlling the acuteness and chronicity of experimental TB.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with bacilli via intravenous, intracerebral, and intraperitoneal routes.
- Egg yolk components were used to enhance infectivity and pulmonary localization.
- Different mouse strains, including pigmented strains (line 1 dba and C57 black), were assessed for susceptibility.
- Disease progression and lesion development were monitored.
Main Results:
- Intravenous and intracerebral routes led to predominant lung localization or rapid brain multiplication, respectively.
- Intraperitoneal injection was less effective, but egg yolk admixture enhanced infectivity and lung lesions.
- Pigmented mouse strains (line 1 dba and C57 black) exhibited the highest susceptibility to TB.
- Greater resistance correlated with a slower rate of infectious process progression, not prevention of establishment.
Conclusions:
- The route of bacillus introduction significantly influences TB localization and severity in mice.
- Mouse strain, particularly pigmentation, is a key factor in TB susceptibility.
- Experimental TB in mice can be modulated in terms of acuteness and chronicity by controlling infection parameters.
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