Authors : Evangelia Gkiza, Evangelos Giamarellos-Bourboulis, Thomas Tsaganos, Theodoros Xanthos, Laskarina- Maria Korou, Dionyssia- Pinelopi Carrer, Spyros Stergiopoulos, Evangelia Kouskouni, Despina N. Perrea and Ismene A. Dontas
Abstract: Swine are extensively used in biomedical research as animal models. Although, ideally they are procured from specialized breeders of pathogen-free animals, animals from meat production farms may be used. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential existence of subclinical disease of domestic pigs used for research. In order not to sacrifice additional animals, 46 pigs from two other studies in progress were investigated: group A, n = 24, aseptic minor procedures; group B, n = 22, similar procedures plus induction of ventricular fibrillation leading to Cardiac Arrest (CA). Microbiological cultures of blood, liver and lung tissues were execute. Overall 60% samples contained pathogenic or opportunistic pathogens protocol comparison demonstrated positive blood cultures in one animal of group A (4.2%) and 5 of group B (22.7%, p>0.05). Liver cultures were positive in two animals of group A (8.3%) and 15 of group B (68.2%, p = 0.0041). Lung cultures were positive in 10 animals of group A (41.7%) and 17 of group B (77.3%, p>0.05). Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated in liver (10.8%) and lung cultures (26%) overall. There was a significant difference regarding Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, isolated at a greater rate in group B (liver p = 0.00007, lung p = 0.0043). This consisted an unexpected finding, leading to the assumption that group B animals may have sustained Bacterial Translocation (BT) through an intestinal ischemia/reperfusion mechanism due to CA. These results not only showed the impact the use of non pathogen-free animals may have on the results in research but also provided for the first time indication that CA may contribute to systemic infection early after successful resuscitation, by BT.
Evangelia Gkiza, Evangelos Giamarellos-Bourboulis, Thomas Tsaganos, Theodoros Xanthos, Laskarina- Maria Korou, Dionyssia- Pinelopi Carrer, Spyros Stergiopoulos, Evangelia Kouskouni, Despina N. Perrea and Ismene A. Dontas, 2012. Isolation of Aerobic Bacteria in Internal Specimens from Domesticated Pigs Used in Biomedical Research and the Association with Bacterial Translocation. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 539-546.