Murine colonization model by Campylobacter coli DSPV458.

Aims: To generate a murine experimental model of colonization by Campylobacter coli DSPV458.

Methods And Results: Twelve adult Balb/cCmedc female mice were housed in a treated group (T-G) and a control group (C-G) for 4 weeks. Both experimental groups received antibiotics for 5 days during the first week. The T-G was administered with 6.68log CFU of C. coli DSPV458 by oesophageal gavage. Necropsies were performed weekly to evaluate translocation and intestinal colonization in the spleen and liver and in the ileum and cecum respectively. Samples were cultured to quantify intestinal microbiota members. Faeces were cultured weekly for a C. coli DSPV458 count. Campylobacter coli DSPV458 was isolated from all the inoculated mice. The recovered level of C. coli DSPV458 was, on average, 6.9 log CFUg , 8.0 log CFUg and 1.6 log CFUg in faeces, cecum and ileum respectively. Colonization by C. coli DSPV458 does not alter the normal clinical and physiological status.

Conclusions: Campylobacter coli DSPV458 does not have an invasive capacity, and the model is suitable for evaluating strategies to reduce intestinal loads.

Significance And Impact Of Study: Farm animals have an important impact on thermotolerant Campylobacter transmission to humans. Extremely few colonization models by C. coli have been reported to date. In food-producing animals, infection is mild or absent and thermotolerant Campylobacter colonize the intestines of animals. Colonization models are specific models that do not cause infection as they do not generally result in diarrhoea or other signs of disease. Therefore, this model will allow to evaluate the evolution of colonization by thermotolerant Campylobacter and the alternative tools development to antibiotics that limit their colonization in food-producing animals.