Campylobacter rectus virulence and the effects of immunization in the pregnant mouse model.

摘要

Previous studies in the mouse model have reported that maternal infection with Campylobacter rectus, a periodontal pathogen, is associated with intrauterine fetal growth restriction. To that end, we hypothesized that maternal immunization prior to challenge with C. rectus would protect the fetus from growth restriction. Fetuses from the C. rectus challenged group had shorter crown-rump lengths and weighed significantly less than the immunized group and the control group. Maternal serum of the immunized group displayed marked elevations of IgG antibody to C. rectus compared to the non-immunized and control group. In conclusion, immunization of pregnant dams with heat-killed C. rectus provides a robust maternal IgG response and protects against fetal growth restriction.; In addition, C. rectus virulence factors that may have a possible role in fetal growth restriction were investigated. The genes peb4, cadF, cdtB and ciaB that have been identified as virulence genes and sequenced in other Campylobacter species were examined for their presence in C. rectus. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)