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Study on the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida Type B in large-eared white rabbits
Haoran Zhao1, Ming Wei1,2, Yan Feng1
1China Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
To investigate the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida (Pm) Type B in large-eared white rabbits, the Pm strain C45-2 (C45-2) was used to infect rabbits. The clinical symptoms and post-mortem pathological changes of the rabbits were observed. Multiple tissues were collected from the deceased rabbits for pathological sectioning and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was employed to detect the load of C45-2 in each tissue. The results showed that the minimum lethal dose (MLD) of the C45-2 to rabbits was 5 CFU. After infection, the rabbits exhibited typical Pm infection symptoms, including hemorrhage in multiple tissues and splenomegaly with dark coloration. The results of IHC and qPCR indicated that the C45-2 was more concentrated in the heart, spleen, and intestinal lymph node tissues of the infected rabbits. This study evaluated the pathogenicity of the C45-2 in infected rabbits, providing fundamental support for in-depth research on the pathogenic mechanism and vaccine development of Pm Type B.
Insights
This study determined that a low dose of Pasteurella multocida (Pm) Type B causes severe illness and death in rabbits. The bacteria concentrated in key organs, highlighting targets for future vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida (Pm) is a significant bacterial pathogen affecting various animal species.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of specific strains, like Type B, is crucial for disease control.
- Large-eared white rabbits serve as a relevant model for studying Pm infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida Type B strain C45-2 in large-eared white rabbits.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological outcomes following Pm infection.
- To determine the tissue distribution and bacterial load of Pm in infected rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Infection of rabbits with varying doses of Pm strain C45-2 to determine the minimum lethal dose (MLD).
- Observation of clinical signs and post-mortem pathological changes.
- Tissue sample collection for histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantify bacterial load in tissues.
Main Results:
- The minimum lethal dose (MLD) of Pm C45-2 was determined to be 5 CFU.
- Infected rabbits displayed typical Pm symptoms, including widespread hemorrhage and splenomegaly.
- IHC and qPCR confirmed higher concentrations of C45-2 in the heart, spleen, and intestinal lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- Pasteurella multocida Type B strain C45-2 is highly pathogenic in rabbits, even at low doses.
- The heart, spleen, and intestinal lymph nodes are primary target tissues for this Pm strain.
- Findings provide a basis for further research into Pm Type B pathogenesis and vaccine strategies.
