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Clinical microbiological, and histological manifestations of Streptobacillus moniliformis-induced arthritis in mice
Abstract:
Intravenous inoculation of Streptobacillus moniliformis into mice resulted in an infection in which the predominant feature was progressive polyarthritis that rendered some joints immobile within 6 months. No migration of arthritis from joint to joint or remission and exacerbation were apparent. Viable organisms were apparently removed by the host from blood, liver, and spleen within 28 days post inoculation but persisted in joints for approximately 6 months in some animals. Specific antibody was detectable by complement fixation 7 days post-inoculation and persisted throughout the course of the disease. The inflammatory responses, which was initiated by the appearance of neutrophils in the joint space within 24 h of inoculation, culminated in obliteration of the joint space by fibrosis and exostosis.
Insights
Streptobacillus moniliformis infection in mice causes progressive polyarthritis, leading to joint immobility. Bacteria persist in joints for months, despite host clearance from other organs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Streptobacillus moniliformis is a bacterium known to cause infections in various hosts.
- Polyarthritis is a significant clinical manifestation in certain bacterial infections.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of S. moniliformis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological progression of Streptobacillus moniliformis infection in a murine model.
- To determine the duration of bacterial persistence and host immune response in infected joints.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous inoculation of Streptobacillus moniliformis into mice.
- Monitoring for development and progression of polyarthritis.
- Assessing bacterial load in blood, liver, spleen, and joints over time.
- Detecting specific antibodies using complement fixation tests.
- Histopathological examination of affected joints.
Main Results:
- Progressive polyarthritis developed in mice, causing joint immobility within 6 months.
- Bacteria were cleared from blood, liver, and spleen within 28 days but persisted in joints for up to 6 months.
- Specific antibodies were detected by day 7 post-inoculation and remained throughout the disease course.
- Inflammation, characterized by neutrophil infiltration, led to joint space obliteration via fibrosis and exostosis.
Conclusions:
- Streptobacillus moniliformis infection in mice leads to chronic, progressive polyarthritis with long-term joint persistence of the bacteria.
- The host mounts a specific antibody response, but this does not prevent chronic joint pathology.
- The findings highlight the potential for S. moniliformis to cause persistent joint disease.