A piglet model of acute gastroenteritis induced by Shigella dysenteriae Type 1.
BACKGROUND
The lack of a standardized laboratory animal model that mimics key aspects of human shigellosis remains a major obstacle to addressing questions about pathogenesis, screening therapeutics, and evaluation of vaccines.


METHODS
We characterized a piglet model for Shigella dysenteriae type 1.


RESULTS
Piglets developed acute diarrhea, anorexia, and dehydration, which could often be fatal, with symptom severity depending on age and dose. Bacteria were apparent in the lumen and on the surface epithelium throughout the gut initially, but severe mucosal damage and bacterial cellular invasion were most profound in the colon. Detached necrotic colonocytes were present in the lumen, with inflammatory cells outpouring from damaged mucosa. High levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-12 were followed by high levels of other proinflammatory cytokines. Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 were detected in feces and in gut segments from infected animals. Bacteria were present inside epithelial cells and within colonic lamina propria. In contrast, an isogenic strain lacking Shiga toxin induced similar but milder symptoms, with moderate mucosal damage and lower cytokine levels.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that piglets are highly susceptible to shigellosis, providing a useful tool with which to compare vaccine candidates for immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and response to challenge; investigate the role of virulence factors; and test the efficacy of microbial agents.
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Kwang-Il
KI
Jeong
Quanshun
Q
Zhang
John
J
Nunnari
Saul
S
Tzipori
D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D016207:Cytokines / Q000032:analysis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004405:Dysentery, Bacillary / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology; D018664:Interleukin-12; D016209:Interleukin-8; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012762:Shigella dysenteriae / Q000276:immunology; D013552:Swine
D016207:Cytokines; D016209:Interleukin-8; D018664:Interleukin-12