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Spontaneous bacterial and fungal infections in genetically engineered mice: Is Escherichia coli an emerging pathogen

Laurentiu Benga, W Peter M Benten, Eva Engelhardt

    Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
    |August 19, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Genetically engineered mice are susceptible to opportunistic infections, with Escherichia coli emerging as a potential pathogen. Monitoring E. coli is crucial for laboratory mouse welfare and research integrity.

    Area of Science:

    • Veterinary Pathology
    • Microbiology
    • Genetically Engineered Models

    Background:

    • Genetically engineered (GE) mice are vital research models, but their susceptibility to infections can impact welfare and experimental outcomes.
    • The interplay between host genotype, environment, and microbial pathogens influences disease manifestation in GE mice.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the bacterial and fungal causes of spontaneous clinical disease in GE mice.
    • To correlate infectious aetiologies with specific mouse genotypes and identify emerging pathogens.

    Main Methods:

    • Necropsy and microbiological analysis of 63 GE mice from 33 strains exhibiting clinical signs leading to euthanasia.
    • Identification and quantification of bacterial and fungal pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Pasteurella pneumotropica, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pneumocystis murina.

    Main Results:

    • Escherichia coli (47.72%) and Pasteurella pneumotropica (43.18%) were the most frequent bacterial causes of infection.
    • Abscesses, pneumonia, endometritis, and septicaemia were common clinical presentations.
    • Pneumocystis murina caused 19 cases of interstitial pneumonia.
    • Bacterial infections occurred in GE mice without explicit immunodeficiency (36.36%).

    Conclusions:

    • GE mice, irrespective of genetic modification, are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
    • Escherichia coli should be monitored as a potential emerging pathogen in laboratory mice, alongside traditional opportunists like P. pneumotropica and S. aureus.

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