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Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform infection in severe combined immunodeficient mice
E Scanziani1, A Gobbi, L Crippa
1Istituto di Anatomia Patologica Veterinaria e Patologia Aviare, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform (HAC) is a coryneform bacterium, with a biochemical profile similar to Corynebacterium bovis, that causes hyperkeratotic dermatitis in athymic nude mice. In the present study 28 severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice coming from six different animal facilities were submitted for bacteriological and pathological examination. HAC was isolated from 10 SCID mice belonging to two of these facilities. Two of the HAC-infected mice showed macroscopical lesions consisting in large alopecic areas, with small white flakes, involving the dorsum, flanks, neck and cheeks. Histologically, the skin of these animals was characterized by diffuse acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. In the other eight HAC-infected SCID mice no macroscopical lesions were observed but focal areas of minimal to mild acanthosis were histologically detected in five cases. These results suggest that HAC can infect SCID mice inducing skin lesions similar, although generally less severe, to those observed in nude mice with hyperkeratotic dermatitis. Our results pointed out that SCID mice may play an important role in the epidemiology of hyperkeratotic dermatitis of athymic nude mice.
Insights
Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform (HAC) bacteria can infect severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, causing skin lesions. These infected SCID mice may contribute to the spread of hyperkeratotic dermatitis in athymic nude mice.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hyperkeratosis-associated coryneform (HAC) bacteria cause hyperkeratotic dermatitis in athymic nude mice.
- HAC shares biochemical similarities with Corynebacterium bovis.
- Immunocompromised mouse models are susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice to HAC infection.
- To characterize the pathological manifestations of HAC infection in SCID mice.
- To assess the potential role of SCID mice in the epidemiology of hyperkeratotic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological and pathological examination of 28 SCID mice from six facilities.
- Isolation and identification of HAC from infected mice.
- Histopathological analysis of skin lesions.
Main Results:
- HAC was isolated from 10 out of 28 SCID mice across two facilities.
- Two infected mice exhibited macroscopical lesions (alopecia, flaking) and histopathological signs (acanthosis, hyperkeratosis).
- Eight other infected mice showed minimal to mild subclinical skin changes (acanthosis) upon histological examination.
Conclusions:
- SCID mice can be infected by HAC, developing skin lesions comparable to, but generally less severe than, those in nude mice.
- SCID mice may serve as a reservoir or vector, potentially influencing the epidemiology of hyperkeratotic dermatitis in athymic nude mouse colonies.