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Eperythrozoon--a lesson for arbovirologists
Z Hubálek1, Z Juricová, J Halouzka
1Institute of Systematic and Ecological Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno.
Abstract:
Eperythrozoon was detected in suckling mice inoculated with a suspension of nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks. The organism was filterable through 220 nm Millipore membranes, moderately sensitive to diethyl ether, pathogenic to suckling but not to adult mice when given intracerebrally, intraperitoneally or subcutaneously, and mimicked an arbovirus. Eperythrozoon should be considered as an agent potentially interfering with experiments performed on laboratory mice.
Insights
Eperythrozoon was found in mice infected with Ixodes ricinus ticks. This organism may affect laboratory mouse experiments, mimicking arboviruses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Entomology
Background:
- Eperythrozoon is a genus of bacteria that can infect various animals.
- Ixodes ricinus ticks are known vectors for numerous pathogens.
- Understanding potential contaminants in laboratory animals is crucial for research integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize Eperythrozoon in laboratory mice.
- To assess the pathogenicity and transmission routes of Eperythrozoon.
- To evaluate the potential for Eperythrozoon to interfere with experimental results.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of suckling mice with Ixodes ricinus tick suspensions.
- Filtration studies using 220 nm Millipore membranes.
- Pathogenicity testing via intracerebral, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes in mice of different ages.
- Assessment of diethyl ether sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Eperythrozoon was successfully detected in suckling mice.
- The organism passed through 220 nm filters, indicating small size.
- Eperythrozoon exhibited moderate sensitivity to diethyl ether.
- Pathogenicity was observed in suckling mice but not in adult mice.
- The organism's effects mimicked those of an arbovirus.
Conclusions:
- Eperythrozoon can be transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks to mice.
- The organism's characteristics and pathogenicity profile warrant consideration in experimental settings.
- Eperythrozoon poses a potential confounding factor in laboratory mouse research, possibly mimicking arbovirus infections.