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Published on: December 10, 2016
[Pathomorphological changes in albino mice infected with plague and treated with cefotaxime]
Abstract:
Pathomorphological and bacteriological changes in albino mice infected with plague and treated with cefotaxime were investigated. The control animals which died within 3 days had structural changes characteristic of generalized plague with lesions in the infection site, regional lymph nodes, spleen, liver and lungs. The plague microbe was isolated from the tissues of all the organs and blood. The animals treated with cefotaxime (200 mg/kg for 7 days) survived. The histological examination conclusively demonstrated the absence of the changes characteristic of generalized plague in their internal organs. The infection process was mainly restricted by the primary complex and was strictly localized. The tissue reaction around the focus in the second part of the experiment developed in accordance with the productive type inflammation followed by the organization and cicatrization. In the bacteriological investigation the plague causative agent was detectable during the first days of the treatment in the site of the infection. During the subsequent days the plague microbe was not detected.
Insights
Cefotaxime effectively treated plague in mice, preventing generalized infection and allowing survival. Histological and bacteriological studies confirmed localized infection and pathogen elimination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Plague, a severe zoonotic disease, poses a significant public health threat.
- Investigating effective antimicrobial treatments for plague is crucial for disease control.
- Understanding the pathomorphological and bacteriological progression of plague is essential.
Purpose:
- To investigate the efficacy of cefotaxime in treating experimental plague in albino mice.
- To evaluate the pathomorphological and bacteriological changes in mice infected with plague and treated with cefotaxime.
Summary:
- Control mice infected with plague exhibited generalized disease with widespread organ lesions and detectable Yersinia pestis in tissues and blood.
- Cefotaxime treatment (200 mg/kg for 7 days) resulted in survival of all mice.
- Histological examination revealed that cefotaxime restricted the infection to the primary site, preventing systemic spread and characteristic plague lesions. Productive inflammation, organization, and cicatrization were observed.
- Bacteriological analysis confirmed the presence of Yersinia pestis in the infection site during early treatment but its subsequent absence, indicating successful eradication.
Impact:
- Cefotaxime demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for treating plague, as evidenced by survival and localized infection.
- This study provides valuable insights into the treatment mechanisms and pathological outcomes of cefotaxime in plague management.
- Findings support the use of cefotaxime as a viable option in plague treatment strategies.

