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Published on: February 19, 2013
[An experimental model of enteric klebsiellosis]
V M Bondarenko1, N I Potaturkina-Nesterova, O S Iakushenko
1Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Acute enteric infection was reproduced in rabbits, used as an experimental model, receiving Aspergillus flavus metabolites with food for 15 days and inoculated rectally with enterotoxigenic strain Klebsiella pneumoniae K24 6723. Pathomorphological study revealed the penetration of Klebsiella into microplicate cells of the intestinal epithelium, the proliferation of bacteria in the lamina propria and in the cupolas of Peyer's patches, as well as in phagolysosomes of leukocytes and macrophages. The lesion of the mucous membrane in both large and small intestine, accompanied by the hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, was noted. As a rule, surface epithelium was dystrophically changed and peeled off into the lumen of the intestine. The specificity of such lesion was confirmed by the detection of Klebsiella in Coons' direct immunofluorescence test. The experimental model confirmed the role of a decrease in immunological protective reactions of the body, caused the action of A.flavus metabolites, in the development of the infectious process, initiated by opportunistic enterobacteria.
Insights
Aspergillus flavus metabolites weakened rabbit immunity, enabling Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. This model shows how fungal toxins promote enteric bacterial disease development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Opportunistic enterobacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae can cause enteric infections.
- Fungal metabolites may influence host susceptibility to bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an experimental model for acute enteric infection in rabbits.
- To investigate the role of Aspergillus flavus metabolites in modulating host defense against Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were fed Aspergillus flavus metabolites and rectally inoculated with Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Pathomorphological analysis of intestinal tissues was performed.
- Direct immunofluorescence (Coons' test) was used for bacterial detection.
Main Results:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae invaded intestinal epithelium and proliferated in lamina propria and Peyer's patches.
- Intestinal lesions, including lymphoid follicle hyperplasia and epithelial damage, were observed.
- Aspergillus flavus metabolites were associated with decreased immunological responses, facilitating infection.
Conclusions:
- The experimental model successfully reproduced acute enteric infection.
- Aspergillus flavus metabolites impair immune defenses, increasing susceptibility to Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- This highlights the role of fungal toxins in opportunistic enteric infections.
