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Group A streptococcal L forms. I. Persistence among inoculated mice
Journal of Bacteriology
|January 1, 1967
Abstract:
L forms induced from two strains of group A Streptococcus were inoculated intraperitoneally and intravenously into conventional and germ-free mice. After intravenous injection, streptococcal L forms disappeared very quickly from the blood, whereas, after intraperitoneal injection, it was possible to isolate them as long as 25 days after inoculation. Observations suggest that a certain degree of reversion to a bacterial form may occur spontaneously in animals.
Insights
Group A Streptococcus L forms persisted longer in mice after intraperitoneal injection than intravenous. Spontaneous reversion to bacterial forms may occur in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- L forms are cell wall-deficient variants of bacteria.
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding the in vivo behavior of bacterial variants is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival and potential reversion of Streptococcus L forms in vivo.
- To compare the dissemination and persistence of L forms following different inoculation routes.
- To assess the impact of host environment (conventional vs. germ-free) on L form dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Induction of L forms from two strains of Group A Streptococcus.
- Intraperitoneal and intravenous inoculation of L forms into conventional and germ-free mice.
- Monitoring the presence and viability of L forms in blood and tissues over time.
- Observing for spontaneous reversion to the bacterial form.
Main Results:
- Streptococcal L forms rapidly cleared from the bloodstream after intravenous injection.
- L forms remained recoverable for up to 25 days post-inoculation following intraperitoneal injection.
- Evidence suggests spontaneous reversion of L forms to the bacterial form occurred in inoculated animals.
Conclusions:
- The route of inoculation significantly impacts the persistence of Group A Streptococcus L forms in mice.
- Intraperitoneal administration allows for prolonged survival of L forms compared to intravenous.
- Spontaneous reversion to the bacterial form is a potential phenomenon in vivo, with implications for understanding GAS pathogenesis.