Authors : O.M. David, A.O. Oluduro, Shitttu , O.A. Olowe and O. Famurewa
Abstract: Haematological, enzymatic and histopathologic changes during gelatinase positive (gel+) Enterococcus feacalis infection was assessed in an animal (albino rat) model using standard methods. The role of gelatinase in post-enterococcaemia was established. White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and platelets were significantly reduced (at p≥0.05) in gelatinase positive (gel+) than in gelatinase-negagive (gel¯) compared to the controls. The enzymes Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Acid Phosphatase (ACP) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) showed the following values 105, 43, 39.39 and 102.63 IU L-1, respectively for the gel+ infected animas, 108, 57, 164.6 and 428.94 IU L-1, respectively for gel¯ and 108, 67, 77.77 and 202.63 IU L-1, respectively for the control. The results obtained for the bilirubin test were 18.5 mg dL-1, total bilirubin and 7.83 mg dL-1 conjugated bilirubin for gel+ infected animas, total and conjugated bilirubin recorded 7.4 and 2.46 mg dL-1, respectively in gel¯ infected animas and 5.55 and 4.92 mg dL-1, respectively in the control. Histopathological changes within the individual groups varied and overall changes were less extensive than observed in animals infected with gel+ E. faecalis. Thin section showed an overall loss of structural integrity. The results show areas of pronounced haemorrhage, necrosis with bacterial clusters and distortion in morphology. There was a striking difference in the severity of lesions between gel¯ and gel+ infected animal. However, in an intraperitoneal rat infection model, gel+ strain was relatively less pathogenic. These findings highlight the importance of gelatinase as a pathogenic factor and are likely key determinants important to pathogenesis of pathogens.
O.M. David, A.O. Oluduro, Shitttu , O.A. Olowe and O. Famurewa, 2011. Identification of Changes During Infection with Gelatinase-Producing and Gelatinase-Defective Strains of Enterococcus faecalis Using Live-Animal Model. Veterinary Research, 4: 126-132.