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Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice
Published on: July 29, 2022
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[Composition and changes of intestinal flora in septic mouse model]
He Zhao1, Chongshen Kuang2, Fang Li3
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, the Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue
|February 10, 2021
Summary
Sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice significantly alters intestinal flora, decreasing diversity and richness over time. Escherichia-Shigella emerges as the dominant bacteria, indicating severe intestinal dysbiosis following sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host health and immune homeostasis.
- Intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbial community, is frequently observed in sepsis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in the intestinal flora of mice following the induction of a sepsis model.
- To analyze the alterations in microbial diversity, composition, and structure over time after sepsis onset.
Main Methods:
- A cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was established in male C57BL/6 mice to induce sepsis.
- Fecal samples were collected at various time points (6-12 hours, 1, 2, and 3 days post-CLP) and from a Sham group.
- Intestinal flora was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, including alpha diversity, species composition, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and LEfSe analysis.
Main Results:
- Alpha diversity indices (Chao, Ace, Shannon) significantly decreased with prolonged CLP modeling time, while the Simpson index increased, indicating reduced richness and diversity.
- Species composition analysis revealed shifts in dominant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and genera, with Escherichia-Shigella abundance increasing significantly over time.
- Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that microbial community structure changed gradually post-CLP, with significant alterations observed by day 3, while the 6-12 hour group remained similar to the Sham group.
Conclusions:
- Sepsis induction via CLP leads to significant intestinal dysbiosis in mice.
- The study demonstrates a progressive decrease in intestinal flora diversity and richness as sepsis progresses.
- Escherichia-Shigella emerges as a dominant bacterial genus in the gut microbiota during sepsis, highlighting its role in the altered microbial landscape.

