Morphologic observations of experimental Campylobacter jejuni infection in the hamster intestinal tract

The authors have developed a model for the diarrhea and intestinal lesions seen in Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis by colonizing the hamster ileum and cecum with C jejuni. Erythematous inflammation of the ileum and cecum and distention of the cecum with fluid were observed at autopsy. The cecal mucosa appeared edematous. Epithelial abnormalities observed by light microscopy included focal edema, occasional hyperplasia, diffuse hyperemia, and infiltration of the lamina propria with leukocytes. C jejuni-like bacteria penetrated the epithelium and were seen in the lamina propria of infected animals but not in uninfected controls. Diverse microvillus lesions, including elongation, shortening, blebbing, and denudation, were seen by transmission electron microscopy. Occasional cytoplasmic aberrations included vacuoles, some containing C jejuni-like bacteria, swollen endoplasmic reticulum, and enlarged mitochondria. Campylobacter structures were vibrio and S-shaped types. Some C jejuni organisms had corrugated screwlike structures wrapped around their circumferences.