Nematospiroides dubius as a vector for Salmonella typhimurium

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Salmonella typhimurium is a significant enteric pathogen affecting various hosts.
• Nematospiroides dubius is a common nematode parasite of rodents.
• The role of parasitic organisms as vectors for bacterial pathogens is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Nematospiroides dubius larvae as a vector for Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice.
• To determine if bacterial incorporation within nematode larvae affects the infectious dose of Salmonella typhimurium.

Main Methods:

• Mice were experimentally infected with Salmonella typhimurium, either directly or incorporated within the 3rd-stage larvae of Nematospiroides dubius.
• Salmonella shedding in feces was monitored to assess infection establishment and duration.
• Comparative analysis of infectious doses required for infection via different routes.

Main Results:

• Mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium via Nematospiroides dubius larvae exhibited prolonged shedding of the bacteria.
• The infectious dose of Salmonella typhimurium required to infect mice was approximately 1,000-fold lower when delivered via N. dubius larvae compared to direct inoculation.
• Nematode parasites can facilitate Salmonella typhimurium infection.

Conclusions:

• Nematode parasites, specifically Nematospiroides dubius, can serve as effective vectors for pathogenic enteric bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium.
• Incorporation within nematode larvae significantly enhances the infectivity of Salmonella typhimurium, reducing the required infectious dose.
• These findings highlight a novel transmission route for bacterial pathogens mediated by parasitic nematodes.