Accumulation of activated lymphocytes in liver of endotoxin treated rabbits

Organ distribution and early pathogenesis of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in swine

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is an emerging pathogen of pigs, resulting in high-mortality outbreaks of septicaemia and abortions. Here, we investigated the early pathogenesis of S. zooepidemicus in pigs following oronasal inoculation. Fourteen pigs were inoculated with live cultures of S. zooepidemicus ST-194, and monitored at 2,4, 8, and 24 h post-inoculation. Necropsies were performed to assess gross lesions and collect samples for bacterial culture and PCR analysis at each time point. Our findings revealed that S. zooepidemicus was detectable in various organs as early as 2 h post-inoculation, including liver and spleen, demonstrating rapid dissemination within the host. Tonsil samples consistently harboured live S. zooepidemicus throughout the study period, suggesting their potential for epidemiological sampling and diagnostics. Moreover, the presence of varying bacterial loads in mesenteric lymph nodes indicated persistence, replication, and a potential source for shedding. Further studies are required to determine the initial site of replication.

Accumulation of activated lymphocytes in liver of Listeria factor Ei treated rabbits

Factor Ei isolated from Listeria monocytogenes caused in rabbits 1 d after intravenous administration activation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in terms of rRNA biosynthesis. Increase of the number of these active lymphocytes was observed not only in peripheral blood, but also in spleen, lung, kidney, and liver. when the number of lymphocytes was related to the amount of the organ tissue cells, the increment appeared significant only in the liver where the number of active lymphocytes exceeded the control value by one order of magnitude. Based upon this observation we concluded that the accumulation of Listeria factor Ei activated lymphocytes occurred in liver. This characteristic is considered an additional immunomodulative property of Listeria factor Ei similar to the Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide.

Endotoxemia and endotoxemia diagnostics

After the study of a group of severely burned patients with septicemia the authors reached the conclusion that the diagnosis of endotoxemia should be based on the following criteria: clinical condition, laboratory results and autopsy findings. Clinical findings can be subdivided into anamnestic data (such as age, liver function etc.) and direct clinical observation (taking into account states of stress and some specific surgical procedures). The most significant laboratory findings in the investigated group of patients were hypoxy, metabolic acidosis, lowered platelet count and positive Limulus test. Autopsy findings corresponded to findings in septicemia and shock. The authors also discuss the significance of activated lymphocyte accumulation in the liver following endotoxin administration in animals.