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Abortion in mice associated with Pasteurella pneumotropica
Abstract:
Pasteurella pneumotropica was isolated from the uteri, fetuses, lungs, and spleens of aborting Swiss Carworth mice. Male mice in the colony carried P. pneumotropica in pharynges, testes, and seminal vesicles. Normal pregnant and nongravid females carried P. pneumotropica in the eye of 1 and in the uteri of 4 of 11. Pregnant mice from another colony did not abort when injected with P. pneumotropica. Necrotizing and suppurative metritis was found among aborting females with P. pneumotropica infections. Occurrence of malignant lymphoma and mammary adenocarcinoma among animals in this colony likely resulted in immunosuppression which could have predisposed animals to the diseases seen.
Insights
Pasteurella pneumotropica caused abortions and metritis in Swiss Carworth mice. The bacteria were found in various organs, suggesting a potential link between immunosuppression and disease susceptibility in the mouse colony.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Immunology
- Rodent Pathology
Background:
- Pasteurella pneumotropica is a common bacterium found in laboratory rodents.
- Understanding its role in reproductive failure and systemic disease is crucial for animal health and research integrity.
Observation:
- Pasteurella pneumotropica was isolated from aborting Swiss Carworth mice, including uteri, fetuses, lungs, and spleens.
- Infections were also identified in the pharyngeal, testicular, and seminal vesicle tissues of male mice.
- Normal pregnant and non-pregnant females carried the bacteria in their eyes and uteri, indicating widespread colonization.
Findings:
- Abortions and necrotizing, suppurative metritis were observed in infected female mice.
- Pregnant mice from a different colony did not abort following experimental Pasteurella pneumotropica inoculation.
- The study suggests a potential link between immunosuppression, possibly due to malignant lymphoma and mammary adenocarcinoma, and increased susceptibility to Pasteurella pneumotropica infections.
Implications:
- Pasteurella pneumotropica can be a significant pathogen contributing to reproductive losses in mouse colonies.
- Immunosuppression may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Pasteurella pneumotropica infections, leading to severe clinical signs.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and controlling Pasteurella pneumotropica in research animal populations to ensure animal welfare and experimental validity.