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Cytomegalovirus infection promotes bacterial translocation in thermally injured mice
E J Erickson1, J R Saffle, S E Morris
1Department of Surgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City.
Abstract:
Thermally injured mice that were given intraperitoneal injections of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) appeared to be clinically septic and to have increased mortality rates. To evaluate the possible role of MCMV infection in promoting bacterial translocation in burned mice, mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured from two strains of mice (BALB/c and CBA) that were given thermal injuries alone, MCMV alone, or both. BALB/c mice injected with 5 X 10(5) plaque-forming units MCMV following a 15% to 16% total body surface area scald injury had increased incidence of positive mesenteric lymph node cultures compared with other groups. No intestinal mucosal histologies, mucosal dry weights, or wet-to-dry weight ratios in any animals were abnormal. Differences in cecal bacterial concentrations were not observed. Murine cytomegalovirus infection appears to enhance bacterial translocation in this model.
Insights
Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection in burned mice increased sepsis and mortality. MCMV appears to enhance bacterial translocation, particularly in BALB/c mice following thermal injury.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Thermal injury can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Bacterial translocation from the gut is a known complication of severe injury and sepsis.
- Murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) is a common viral pathogen that can cause opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MCMV infection in promoting bacterial translocation in thermally injured mice.
- To assess the impact of combined thermal injury and MCMV infection on mortality and sepsis.
- To compare the effects in different mouse strains (BALB/c and CBA).
Main Methods:
- Mice (BALB/c and CBA strains) were subjected to thermal injury, MCMV infection, or both.
- Mesenteric lymph nodes were cultured to detect bacterial translocation.
- Intestinal mucosal histology, dry weight, and wet-to-dry ratios were analyzed.
- Cecal bacterial concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Mice with thermal injury and MCMV infection showed increased mortality and clinical signs of sepsis.
- BALB/c mice receiving MCMV post-thermal injury exhibited a higher incidence of positive mesenteric lymph node cultures.
- No significant abnormalities were found in intestinal mucosal histology or weight ratios.
- Cecal bacterial concentrations did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- Murine cytomegalovirus infection appears to enhance bacterial translocation in a model of thermal injury.
- This enhancement is particularly evident in BALB/c mice.
- MCMV infection may exacerbate the severity of sepsis following thermal injury.