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Re-evaluation of a Neonatal Mouse Model of Infection With Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Carla J Carroll1, Dianna M Hocking1, Kristy I Azzopardi1,2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 5, 2021
Summary
Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) virulence factors F41 pili and heat-stable enterotoxin (STp) are crucial for causing disease. Neonatal mice are a validated model for studying F41-bearing ETEC pathogenesis and developing interventions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes significant diarrhea in children and livestock globally.
- ETEC virulence relies on enterotoxins and colonization factors, but host-specific strains limit research models.
- F41 pili-bearing ETEC strains can infect various young animals, including mice, offering a potential model system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the contribution of F41 pili and heat-stable enterotoxin (STp) to ETEC virulence.
- To assess the utility of neonatal mice as a model for F41-bearing ETEC infections.
- To explore potential anti-ETEC interventions targeting these virulence factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized targeted gene deletion and trans-complementation of the archetypal bovine ETEC strain B41.
- Employed whole genome sequencing to analyze genetic modifications.
- Conducted in vitro and in vivo (neonatal mouse model) studies to evaluate bacterial virulence.
Main Results:
- Confirmed F41 pili are essential for intestinal colonization and overall virulence in the mouse model.
- Demonstrated that STp is equally important as F41 for ETEC virulence.
- Established the neonatal mouse model as suitable for studying F41-bearing ETEC.
Conclusions:
- F41 pili and STp are critical virulence determinants for F41-bearing ETEC.
- Neonatal mice effectively model F41-bearing ETEC pathogenesis.
- This study supports the development of vaccines targeting STp and F41 for ETEC control.
