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Published on: July 29, 2012
Experimental infection of chicken embryos with recently described Brucella microti: Pathogenicity and pathological
Gamal Wareth1, Denny Böttcher2, Falk Melzer3
1Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Free University of Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Brucellae are facultative intracellular pathogens causing disease in a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as in humans. Brucella (B.) microti is a recently recognized species and was isolated from common voles (Microtus arvalis), red foxes and soil in Austria and the Czech Republic. Its pathogenicity for livestock and its zoonotic potential has not been confirmed yet. In the present study 25 SPF chicken embryos were inoculated at day 11 of age with 1.6×10(3) and 1.6×10(5)B. microti by yolk sac and allantoic sac routes. Re-isolation of B. microti indicated rapid multiplication of bacteria (up to 1.7×10(12)CFU). B. microti provoked marked gross lesions, i.e. hemorrhages and necroses. All inoculated embryos were dead (100% mortality) in between 2nd and 4th day post inoculation. The predominant histopathological lesion was necroses in liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, spinal meninges, yolk sac and chorioallantoic membrane. Immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of Brucella antigen in nearly all of these organs, with infection being mainly restricted to non-epithelial cells or tissues. This study provides the first results on the multiplication and pathogenicity of the mouse pathogenic B. microti in chicken embryos. These data suggest that, even though chicken are not mammals, they could provide a useful tool for understanding the pathogenesis of B. microti associated disease.
Insights
Brucella microti rapidly multiplied and caused severe lesions and 100% mortality in SPF chicken embryos within four days. This study suggests chicken embryos can model Brucella microti pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Pathogen Research
- Infectious Disease Models
Background:
- Brucellae are facultative intracellular pathogens affecting animals and humans.
- Brucella microti, a recently identified species, has unknown pathogenicity and zoonotic potential.
- Understanding Brucella microti pathogenesis is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity and multiplication of Brucella microti in SPF chicken embryos.
- To establish a model for studying Brucella microti infections.
Main Methods:
- SPF chicken embryos were inoculated with Brucella microti via yolk sac and allantoic sac routes.
- Bacterial re-isolation, gross lesion assessment, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry were performed.
- Mortality rates and bacterial loads were quantified.
Main Results:
- Brucella microti rapidly multiplied in chicken embryos, reaching up to 1.7×10^12 CFU.
- Inoculated embryos exhibited 100% mortality within 2-4 days post-inoculation.
- Widespread necrosis and hemorrhages were observed in multiple organs, with Brucella antigen detected.
Conclusions:
- Chicken embryos are highly susceptible to Brucella microti infection.
- Brucella microti causes rapid, severe disease in chicken embryos, indicating high pathogenicity.
- Chicken embryos serve as a valuable model for studying Brucella microti pathogenesis.
