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Persistent Yersinia enterocolitica infection in three rat strains
J H Curfs1, J F Meis, H A Van der Lee
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Yersinia enterocolitica persistence and reactive arthritis were studied in rat models. Lewis rats developed persistent infections and reactive arthritis, unlike Brown Norway rats with transient abscesses and different immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica infection can lead to prolonged persistence in humans, potentially causing reactive arthritis.
- Understanding the factors influencing bacterial persistence and disease development is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate factors predisposing to Yersinia enterocolitica persistence using animal models.
- To investigate the development of reactive arthritis in relation to bacterial persistence and host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Development of animal models using Lewis, Fischer, and Brown Norway rats infected with Yersinia enterocolitica.
- Monitoring bacterial persistence, abscess formation in organs (liver, spleen, lungs), and development of reactive arthritis.
- Utilizing bacterial cultures and immunofluorescence to detect Yersinia enterocolitica within abscesses.
- Analyzing serological reaction patterns against Yersinia enterocolitica antigens in different rat strains.
Main Results:
- Yersinia enterocolitica persisted in Lewis and Fischer rats, with splenic abscesses lasting over 20 weeks.
- Lewis rats developed reactive arthritis, while Fischer rats did not, despite prolonged bacterial presence.
- Brown Norway rats showed early abscess development that resolved within 3 weeks, correlating with a distinct serological response.
- Immunofluorescence confirmed Yersinia enterocolitica antigen presence within abscesses across all strains.
Conclusions:
- Rat models demonstrate varying susceptibility to Yersinia enterocolitica persistence and reactive arthritis development.
- Host immune response, specifically serological patterns, plays a critical role in controlling Yersinia enterocolitica infection and preventing chronic sequelae like reactive arthritis.