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Colonization of mice by Campylobacter jejuni
M V Jesudason1, D J Hentges, P Pongpech
1Department of Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock 79430.
Infection and Immunity
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Volatile fatty acids (VFA) in conventional mice inhibit Campylobacter jejuni colonization. Germfree mice, lacking VFA, show robust C. jejuni growth, indicating VFA
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a significant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Understanding C. jejuni colonization factors in the host gut is crucial for developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the colonization dynamics of C. jejuni in conventional and germfree mice.
- To determine the role of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and anaerobic conditions in C. jejuni intestinal colonization.
Main Methods:
- Challenging Swiss white mice (conventional and germfree) with C. jejuni via orogastric gavage.
- Assessing C. jejuni recovery and quantification from intestinal tracts.
- Evaluating C. jejuni growth in brucella broth under various conditions simulating gut environments (VFA presence/absence, pH, oxygen levels).
Main Results:
- Conventional mice (streptomycin-treated and untreated) showed irregular C. jejuni colonization, with low organism recovery.
- Germfree mice exhibited extensive C. jejuni colonization throughout the intestinal tract, particularly in the ceca.
- C. jejuni growth in vitro was inhibited by VFA under anaerobic conditions but occurred in VFA-free media under microaerobic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Volatile fatty acids (VFA) under anaerobic gut conditions impede C. jejuni multiplication in conventional mice.
- The absence of VFA and a higher oxidation-reduction potential in germfree mice facilitate C. jejuni proliferation.