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Pseudomonas pneumonia of mink: pathogenesis, vaccination, and serologic studies
Abstract:
Fulminating pneumonia was produced in mink by the intratracheal administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sequence of pulmonary lesions was focal inflammation, focal necrosis, and widespread inflammation and necrosis. Secondary lesions of peracute hemorrhage and necrosis were the result of bacterial spread via the airways. Invasion of vessel walls by P aeruginosa was a terminal event and was secondary to bacillary invasion and necrosis of adjacent tissues. Regional (lymphatic) and systemic spread of bacteria followed the development of pulmonary lesions, but there was little morphologic evidence of tissue damage in other organs. Immunofluorescence studies showed that P aeruginosa antigen was dispersed within pulmonary cells and was free in the lung parenchyma. Mink surviving beyond postinfection hour 60 had a macrophage infiltration into limited pulmonary lesions. A vaccine trial was conducted with P aeruginosa lipopolysaccharides (LPS) used as antigen, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibody. Antibody was detected in mink after vaccination with LPS or natural exposure. Mink with antibody to LPS, from vaccination or naturally acquired, were resistant to experimental infection.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes severe pneumonia in mink, leading to lung lesions and bacterial spread. Antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharides (LPS) confer resistance to infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fulminating pneumonia is a severe lung infection.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pathological effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mink.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Intratracheal administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to mink.
- Histopathological examination of lung tissues.
- Immunofluorescence for antigen detection.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody detection.
- Vaccine trial using LPS antigen.
Main Results:
- Progressive pulmonary lesions including inflammation and necrosis were observed.
- Bacterial spread occurred via airways, leading to secondary lesions.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigen was detected within lung tissues.
- Macrophage infiltration was noted in surviving mink.
- Antibody to LPS was detected post-vaccination and post-natural infection.
- Mink with LPS antibody showed resistance to experimental infection.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces severe, progressive pneumonia in mink.
- Antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS provide protection against experimental infection.