Growth kinetics of Salmonella abortus equi infection in C57BL/6 mice

Mouse protection test is the method of choice for evaluating the potency of a given vaccine where the bacterial challenge dose and route of administra tion play a crucial role. In this study therefore, bacterial growth kinetic s of Salmonella abortus equi was studied in susceptible inbred C57BL/6 mice in liver and spleen by different routes. Results indicate that the peak ba cterial growth was evident by intravenous route by day 5 post infection (PI ) in both liver (16.37 +/-2.65 x 10(6) CFU) and spleen (5.87 +/- 1.52 x 10( 6)). A sharp decline in bacterial growth: was detected after day 10 PI Subc utaneous route showed a lower bacterial growth kinetics whereas oral route indicated the lowest bacterial growth. However, the pattern of sustaining t he bacterial growth in terms of time schedule was consistent with the intra venous route.