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Acute iron overload in mice: pathogenesis of Salmonella typhimurium infection
Abstract:
The bacterial growth in the tissues of C3D2F1 male mice was measured during an experimental infection with two Salmonella typhimurium strains (high virulence, strain 2386/74; low virulence, strain L15403). This experimental model was used for evaluation of the pathogenesis in normal and iron-overloaded animals. Acute iron overload was accomplished by intramuscular injections of chelated iron (with 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid and citrate) with a single dose of 100 micrograms of iron per mouse. Bacteria were given intraperitoneally 1 h after the iron injection. Serum iron levels, transferrin levels, and the bacteria counts in blood and liver were measured simultaneously in all animals. There was a significant increase of bacterial growth in all tissues in the iron-treated animals. Iron abolished the normal clearance of the bacteria with low virulence from the blood. This study demonstrates that a general iron overload, as determined by an increased serum iron level, resulting from preinjection of iron, enhances bacterial growth.
Insights
Iron overload significantly enhances bacterial growth in mice, even with low-virulence Salmonella typhimurium strains. This study highlights iron
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Bacterial infections pose significant health risks.
- Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions.
- Understanding how iron overload affects infection is vital for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute iron overload on Salmonella typhimurium pathogenesis in mice.
- To evaluate the effect of iron administration on bacterial growth and clearance.
- To determine if iron overload influences the outcome of infection with varying virulence strains.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection model using C3D2F1 male mice.
- Administration of two Salmonella typhimurium strains (high and low virulence).
- Induction of acute iron overload via intramuscular iron injections.
- Measurement of serum iron, transferrin, and bacterial counts in blood and liver.
Main Results:
- Iron-overloaded mice exhibited significantly increased bacterial growth in all tissues.
- Iron administration impaired the clearance of low-virulence Salmonella typhimurium from the bloodstream.
- Elevated serum iron levels correlated with enhanced bacterial proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Acute iron overload potentiates bacterial growth during Salmonella typhimurium infection.
- Iron-induced changes in host metabolism can compromise the immune response.
- This model provides insights into the role of iron in infectious disease pathogenesis.