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Experimental infection in mice with Bacillus licheniformis
J S Agerholm1, H E Jensen, N E Jensen
1Danish Veterinary Laboratory and Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen.
Summary
Bacillus licheniformis infection is pathogenic in mice, with immunosuppressed animals experiencing more severe disease and wider organ involvement. Antigens of B. licheniformis are potent immunogens, detectable in tissues via immunostaining.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Bacillus licheniformis is a bacterium with known pathogenic potential.
- Understanding its pathogenicity is crucial for assessing infection risks, especially in vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of Bacillus licheniformis in normal and immunodepressed BALB/c mice.
- To determine the extent of organ involvement and host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous challenge of mice with Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC 14580).
- Assessment of clinical signs, gross pathology, and histopathology in infected mice.
- Identification of bacterial antigens using crossed immunoelectrophoresis and immunostaining.
Main Results:
- Both normal and immunodepressed mice were susceptible to B. licheniformis infection.
- Immunosuppressed mice exhibited more severe infections with lesions in multiple organs beyond the liver and kidneys.
- B. licheniformis antigens were identified as potent immunogens and detected in hepatic and pulmonic macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus licheniformis exhibits pathogenicity in mice, with a significantly increased severity in immunosuppressed individuals.
- The immune system plays a critical role in controlling B. licheniformis infection, as evidenced by the differential disease progression.
- Immunostaining is an effective method for detecting B. licheniformis in infected tissues.