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Pathology of Experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed Mice in Iraq
Hafidh I Al-Sadi1, Saevan S Al-Mahmood2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
Abstract:
This study was performed to evaluate pathology of experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Iraqi isolate) infection in normal and immunosuppressed mice. Pathological changes were not seen in negative control mice while secondary bacterial infections were noted in the lungs, kidneys, and heart of mice given dexamethasone. Typical E. cuniculi infection lesions were found in brain, livers, lungs, and kidneys of mice given 10(7) E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally. These lesions were in the form of nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with vasculitis in brain, interstitial inflammation with infiltration of both lymphocytes and plasma cells in lung tissue, and nonsuppurative interstitial (focal and diffuse) nephritis, presence of vacuole containing mature and immature spores in enterocytes within the tips of villi, and lymphoiod hyperplasia of the white pulp and vasculitis of the intratrabecular vessels. Mice that were given 10(7) E. cuniculi spores/mouse orally showed lesions similar to those observed in the previous group (vasculitis and granulomas) but the lesions were more severe and widespread. In conclusion, this is the first report of experimental E. cuniculi infection induced by E. cuniculi isolated from a naturally infected rabbit in Iraq and that infection became more severe and widespread upon the administration of dexaethasone.
Insights
This study details experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in mice, showing immunosuppression with dexamethasone worsens pathology. The Iraqi isolate caused significant lesions, particularly in the brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an opportunistic microsporidian parasite.
- Understanding its pathology is crucial for managing infections in animals and potentially humans.
- This study utilizes a novel Iraqi isolate of E. cuniculi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological effects of an experimental Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection.
- To compare the pathology in normal versus immunosuppressed mice.
- To characterize the lesions caused by a specific Iraqi isolate of E. cuniculi.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of mice with E. cuniculi spores (Iraqi isolate).
- Administration of dexamethasone to induce immunosuppression.
- Histopathological examination of various organs (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines).
Main Results:
- No significant pathology in negative control mice.
- Dexamethasone-treated mice developed secondary bacterial infections.
- E. cuniculi infection caused nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, interstitial pneumonia, nephritis, intestinal lesions, and spleen abnormalities.
- Immunosuppression exacerbated lesion severity and spread.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of experimental E. cuniculi infection using an Iraqi isolate.
- Immunosuppression significantly worsens the severity and dissemination of E. cuniculi-induced pathology.
- The findings highlight the importance of host immune status in microsporidial infections.
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