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Spontaneous proteus nephritis among male C3H/HeJ mice
Abstract:
The spontaneous occurrence of nephritis and resultant mortality was investigated among 2,836 control or treated (dermal carcinogenesis bioassays) C3H/HeJ male mice. Overall incidence of nephritis putatively caused by Proteus mirabilis was 1.2%. Incidences were similar in control and treated mice and ranged from 2.5--32.5% among 73 unrelated treatment or control groups. Diagnosis was based upon characteristic gross or histologic renal lesions. Grossly affected kidneys contained either multiple, discrete tan foci or elevated pale tan patches. Histologic renal lesions consisted of a multifocal necropurulent nephritis with numerous gram negative bacteria present in affected tubules. Necrotizing pyelitis and papillitis usually was present, an necropurulent cystitis was present in half of the cases examined histologically. Proteus mirabilis, isolated in pure culture from an affected kidney, produced similar renal lesions after intraperitoneal or intravenous inoculation of clinically normal C3H/HeJ males. The organism was reisolated from the kidneys of the experimentally produced cases. It was concluded that nephritis putatively caused by Proteus mirabilis was an important cause of mortality in male C3H/HeJ mice.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis infection caused nephritis and mortality in male C3H/HeJ mice. This bacterial nephritis occurred spontaneously and was a significant factor in mouse deaths.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Spontaneous nephritis and mortality are significant concerns in laboratory animal studies.
- C3H/HeJ male mice are a common model for toxicological research, making disease incidence in this population critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and cause of spontaneous nephritis in C3H/HeJ male mice.
- To determine if Proteus mirabilis is responsible for observed renal lesions and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Examination of renal lesions in 2,836 control and treated C3H/HeJ male mice.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification of causative agents from affected kidneys.
- Experimental inoculation of Proteus mirabilis into healthy mice to reproduce lesions.
Main Results:
- An overall incidence of 1.2% nephritis was observed, with similar rates in control and treated groups.
- Histopathology revealed multifocal necropurulent nephritis with gram-negative bacteria, consistent with Proteus mirabilis infection.
- Experimental inoculation of Proteus mirabilis successfully replicated the renal lesions.
Conclusions:
- Proteus mirabilis is identified as a significant cause of spontaneous nephritis and mortality in male C3H/HeJ mice.
- The findings highlight the importance of monitoring for bacterial infections in mouse models to ensure study validity.
