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[Pathogenesis of certain mycobacterioses in a chemically damaged liver of the rabbit (author's transl)]
Abstract:
Cirrhosis of the liver was provoked in adult rabbits by the administration of CCl4/0,3 ml subcutaneously two times a week during a period of six weeks. It was found that the infection by M. tuberculosis, M. avium and M. kansasii causes a considerably greater dissemination than in the case with the livers of rabbits unaffected by cirrhosis, and that even a non-pathogenic strain (M. intracellulare) is pathogenic, if the liver is affected. Our findings confirm the lowered resistance of a chemically damaged liver to the development of mycobacterial infection.
Insights
Cirrhosis in rabbits increased susceptibility to mycobacterial infections, including M. tuberculosis. A damaged liver, even from non-pathogenic strains, becomes more vulnerable to mycobacteria.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Context:
- Liver cirrhosis is a severe condition often leading to complications.
- Mycobacterial infections pose significant health risks, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- The impact of liver damage on susceptibility to specific pathogens requires further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of chemically induced liver cirrhosis on the dissemination of mycobacterial infections in rabbits.
- To assess the pathogenicity of different Mycobacterium species, including non-pathogenic strains, in a cirrhotic liver model.
Summary:
- Adult rabbits developed liver cirrhosis after CCl4 administration.
- Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium, and M. kansasii showed greater dissemination in cirrhotic livers compared to healthy livers.
- Even a non-pathogenic strain, M. intracellulare, became pathogenic in the presence of liver cirrhosis.
Impact:
- Chemically damaged livers exhibit reduced resistance to mycobacterial infections.
- These findings highlight the increased vulnerability of cirrhotic livers to a broader range of mycobacteria.
- The study underscores the importance of considering liver health in the context of mycobacterial infection risk.