NEWBORN PIGLET MODEL FOR CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS

An in vivo model system for human campylobacteriosis has been develope d in which colostrum-deprived newborn piglets are orally challenged wi th an invasive strain of Campylobacter jejuni. Piglets developed clini cal symptoms and histopathological lesions similar to those observed i n humans infected with C. jejuni. Gross lesion examination at autopsy revealed the presence of edema, hyperemia, and mucus. Histopathologic examinations by light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate d damage to surface epithelial cells with the presence of intracellula r bacteria, mainly in the large intestine. Similar lesions were not de monstrated in control piglets.