Experimental colonization of mice with Campylobacter jejuni
Related Experiment Videos
E Berndtson1, M L Danielsson-Tham, A Engvall
1Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
Abstract:
The ability of one human and two chicken strains of Campylobacter jejuni to colonise and survive in three different strains of laboratory mice (NMRI, CBA and C57-Black) was studied. Mice were inoculated orally with Campylobacter jejuni and faeces samples were cultured at regular intervals during the following months. The length of colonisation of mice differed between mouse strains but also between Campylobacter strains. The mouse strain C57-Black was not colonised with C. jejuni to the same degree as the other mouse strains. It is concluded that mice can become colonised for prolonged periods and that they may act as reservoirs of Campylobacter for other species.
Insights
Mice can be persistently colonized by Campylobacter jejuni, a significant foodborne pathogen. Different mouse strains show varying susceptibility, with C57-Black mice being less colonized, suggesting potential as reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for controlling C. jejuni transmission.
- Laboratory mice are frequently used as models to study bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the colonization and survival capabilities of Campylobacter jejuni in different laboratory mouse strains.
- To determine the influence of mouse genetic background on the duration and extent of C. jejuni colonization.
- To assess the potential of mice as reservoirs for C. jejuni.
Main Methods:
- Oral inoculation of NMRI, CBA, and C57-Black mice with human and chicken strains of Campylobacter jejuni.
- Regular fecal sample culturing over several months to monitor colonization.
- Comparative analysis of colonization length and success across different mouse and Campylobacter strains.
Main Results:
- Colonization duration varied significantly among the tested mouse strains (NMRI, CBA, C57-Black).
- Campylobacter jejuni strains also exhibited differential colonization success.
- The C57-Black mouse strain demonstrated lower colonization levels compared to NMRI and CBA strains.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory mice can serve as hosts for prolonged Campylobacter jejuni colonization.
- Mouse strain-dependent differences in susceptibility to C. jejuni colonization were observed.
- These findings highlight the potential role of mice as reservoirs for Campylobacter, impacting public health and food safety.