Experimental Borrelia burgdorferi infection in Peromyscus leucopus
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K D Moody1, G A Terwilliger, G M Hansen
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520.
Abstract:
We evaluated the susceptibility of laboratory-reared adult and infant white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) to a known pathogenic isolate of Borrelia burgdorferi (N40). Two-month-old and 3-day-old Peromyscus were inoculated intradermally with 10(6) to 10(7) spirochetes. At 21 days for adults or 30 days for infants post inoculation, mice were killed, and tissues were cultured for spirochetes and examined microscopically. Based on serology and culture, adult mice became infected but did not have any gross or microscopic lesions. Mice inoculated as infants became infected, and also developed carditis and multifocal arthritis. Contact transmission between inoculated infants and their naive mothers was not observed. Age at inoculation appeared to be a critical factor in inducing Lyme borreliosis lesions in Peromyscus leucopus, as in other species.
Insights
Younger white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) infected with Borrelia burgdorferi developed Lyme borreliosis lesions, unlike adults. This highlights age as a critical factor in disease development in this key rodent species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis.
- White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are primary reservoirs for Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Susceptibility to Borrelia burgdorferi infection and disease development can vary with host age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the age-dependent susceptibility of Peromyscus leucopus to Borrelia burgdorferi infection.
- To determine if inoculation age influences the development of Lyme borreliosis lesions in Peromyscus leucopus.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-reared adult (2-month-old) and infant (3-day-old) Peromyscus leucopus were intradermally inoculated with Borrelia burgdorferi (N40).
- Mice were assessed for infection via serology and tissue culture at 21 days (adults) or 30 days (infants) post-inoculation.
- Gross and microscopic examinations were performed to identify lesions, including carditis and arthritis.
Main Results:
- Both adult and infant mice became infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Adult mice showed no gross or microscopic lesions despite infection.
- Infant mice developed carditis and multifocal arthritis following infection.
- No evidence of contact transmission from infected infants to naive mothers was observed.
Conclusions:
- Age at inoculation is a critical factor in the development of Lyme borreliosis lesions in Peromyscus leucopus.
- Infant Peromyscus leucopus are significantly more susceptible to developing pathological manifestations of Borrelia burgdorferi infection compared to adults.
- These findings underscore the importance of age-related host factors in Lyme disease pathogenesis.