Potential invasive properties of vibrio cholerae O139 bengal in a rabbit model: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: Study the invasive properties of Vibrio cholerae 0139 Bengal. Methodology: Adult New Zealand white rabbits were used. Closed intestinal loops of 10-cm length, following appropriate surgical procedures, were constructed. Live cultures of V. cholerae O139 (bacterial count: lo'/mL) were inoculated in each loop. Two loops were constructed in the small intestine of an additional rabbit. One loop was challenged with V. cholerae 0139, and the other one (control) with bacteria-free culture medium. Results: After 18 hours, inflammatory changes were noted in the gut wall mucosa of all rabbits. Blood cultures revealed the growth of V. cholerae 0139 in one animal, suggesting mucosal invasion followed by bacteraemia. While the gut wall of the control loop showed no signs of inflammation, there were definite signs of inflammation in that of the challenged one. Conclusion: These preliminary observations indicate that some strains of V. cholerae O139 may have invasive properties in rabbits.