Influence of indigenous microbiota on experimental toxoplasmosis in conventional and germ ‐free mice

In this study, we assessed the role of indigenous microorganisms in disease development utilizing a murine toxoplasmosis model, which includes conventional (CV) and GF NIH Swiss mice. CV and GF mice orally inoculated with T. gondii had similar survival curves. However, disease developed differently in the two animal groups. In CV mice, intestinal permeability increased and levels of intestinal pro‐inflammatory cytokines were altered. In GF animals, there were discrete epithelial degenerative changes and mucosal oedema, but the liver and lungs displayed significant lesions. We conclude that, despite similar survival curves, CV animals succumb to an exaggerated inflammatory response, whereas GF mice fail to produce an adequate systemic response.

Source: International Journal of Experimental Pathology - September 11, 2017 Category: Pathology Authors: Bruna B. Nascimento, Christiane T. Cartelle, Maria de L. Noviello, Breno V. Pinheiro, Ricardo W. Almeida Vitor, Danielle da G. Souza, Simone Vasconcelos Generoso, Valbert N. Cardoso, Flaviano dos S. Martins, Jacques R. Nicoli, Rosa M. E. Arantes Tags: Original Article Source Type: research