title: Evaluation and histological examination of a Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis small animal infection model.
abstract: Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, is associated with production losses in cattle worldwide. This study aimed to develop a reliable BGC guinea pig model to facilitate future studies of pathogenicity, abortion mechanisms and vaccine efficacy. Seven groups of five pregnant guinea pigs (1 control per group) were inoculated with one of three strains via intra-peritoneal (IP) or intra-vaginal routes. Samples were examined using culture, PCR and histology. Abortions ranged from 0% to 100% and re-isolation of causative bacteria from sampled sites varied with strain, dose of bacteria and time to abortion. Histology indicated metritis and placentitis, suggesting that the bacteria induce inflammation, placental detachment and subsequent abortion. Variation of virulence between strains was observed and determined by culture and abortion rates. IP administration of C. fetus subsp. venerealis to pregnant guinea pigs is a promising small animal model for the investigation of BGC abortion.
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Biosecurity Queensland, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koya
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Biosecurity Queensland, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: de Wet
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Biosecurity Queensland, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cawdell-Smith
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Venus
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Greer
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lew-Tabor
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: g.boehansen@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Boe-Hansen
mesh_terms: D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002168:Campylobacter fetus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D011247:Pregnancy; D014774:Virulence
keywords: Bovine; C. fetus subspecies venerealis; Campylobacteriosis; Guinea pig; Placentitis