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Experimental infection of Rhesus monkeys with a human strain of Campylobacter jejuni
Abstract:
Young Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were infected orally with a human strain of Campylobacter jejuni. The disease induced was mild, with inappetence and diarrhoea of short duration, but prolonged intermittent excretion of the bacteria in the faeces occurred. Bacteraemia was generally present for 2--3 days and later the organisms localized in the liver and gall bladder. Recovered animals, when challenged with the same strain, showed no clinical symptoms, no bacteraemia, and excreted the organisms in the faeces for only 3 days.
Insights
Young Rhesus monkeys infected with Campylobacter jejuni experienced mild illness but prolonged bacterial shedding. Recovered monkeys showed resistance to reinfection, indicating acquired immunity against this common pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a significant cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions and immune responses is crucial for controlling C. jejuni infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of Campylobacter jejuni infection in a non-human primate model.
- To evaluate the development of immunity following infection with C. jejuni.
Main Methods:
- Young Rhesus monkeys were orally inoculated with a human C. jejuni strain.
- Clinical signs, bacterial shedding, and bacteremia were monitored.
- Animals were rechallenged to assess immune response.
Main Results:
- Infection resulted in mild, short-lived illness (inappetence, diarrhea).
- Prolonged, intermittent fecal shedding of C. jejuni was observed.
- Bacteremia occurred transiently, with later localization in the liver and gall bladder.
- Recovered monkeys demonstrated resistance to homologous strain rechallenge, with no clinical signs or bacteremia and significantly reduced shedding.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys serve as a suitable model for studying C. jejuni pathogenesis.
- Mild C. jejuni infection can induce protective immunity in Rhesus monkeys.
- The findings contribute to understanding host-pathogen dynamics and potential vaccine development strategies.