Related Experiment Videos
Experimental melioidosis in hens
A Vesselinova1, H Najdenski, S Nikolova
1Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
Experimental intramuscular infection of hens with Pseudomonas pseudomallei, strain 2796 (1 x 10(9) CFU from a 24-h culture) was reproduced. Clinical, paraclinical and pathomorphological findings were followed from 1 to 30 days after challenge. Haemagglutinin titre, bacterial dissemination in the viscera, number of leucocytes, alveolar (aMa) and peritoneal (pMa) macrophages and their phagocytic activity in vitro were studied. During the course of infection a leucocytosis as well as an increased haemagglutinin titre (1:256) were established. The number of bacteria per gram tissue in the spleen and liver was highest at 1 day post-infection (p.i.). Melioidose bacteria from egg yolk were isolated at 15 and 30 days p.i. Leucocyte and pMa phagocytic activity was maximal at 3 days p.i. unlike the activity of aMa which increased gradually until the end of the study. Inflammatory-necrotic changes were found in the viscera and brain at 3 and 15 days p.i. The investigation of experimental melioidosis infection in hens showed that they are susceptible to P. pseudomallei and this disease takes a generalized subacute course.
Insights
Hens are susceptible to Pseudomonas pseudomallei, causing generalized melioidosis. This experimental study tracked clinical signs, bacterial spread, and immune responses in infected hens over 30 days.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Avian Health
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Pseudomonas pseudomallei, is a significant zoonotic disease.
- Understanding avian susceptibility is crucial for disease control and public health.
- Hens represent a potential reservoir for P. pseudomallei transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical, paraclinical, and pathomorphological outcomes of experimental Pseudomonas pseudomallei infection in hens.
- To evaluate the immune response, including haemagglutinin titre and macrophage activity, following infection.
- To determine the course and dissemination of melioidosis in avian hosts.
Main Methods:
- Experimental intramuscular inoculation of hens with P. pseudomallei (strain 2796).
- Monitoring of clinical signs, bacterial load in tissues (spleen, liver), and isolation from egg yolk from 1 to 30 days post-infection.
- Assessment of haemagglutinin titre, leukocyte counts, and in vitro phagocytic activity of alveolar (aMa) and peritoneal (pMa) macrophages.
Main Results:
- Infection led to leucocytosis and elevated haemagglutinin titres (1:256).
- Peak bacterial presence in spleen and liver occurred at 1 day post-infection; bacteria were isolated from egg yolk at 15 and 30 days.
- Maximal leukocyte and pMa phagocytic activity was observed at 3 days post-infection, while aMa activity increased throughout the study. Inflammatory-necrotic changes were noted in viscera and brain.
Conclusions:
- Hens are susceptible to P. pseudomallei, exhibiting a generalized subacute course of melioidosis.
- The study highlights hens as a viable model for experimental melioidosis research.
- Findings indicate potential for egg contamination and transmission, emphasizing the need for surveillance in poultry.