Murine mycotic placentitis produced by intravenous inoculation of conidia from Aspergillus fumigatus

H. E. Jensen*, J. Hau

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Primipregnant BALB/cABom mice were challenged intravenously with 1 x 105 Aspergillus fumigatus conidia on day 10 of pregnancy. Histopathological examination of the foeto-placental units and extrauterine organs from the mice revealed hyphal growth restricted to the foeto-placental unit. In the foeto-placental unit the growth of hyphae was first established on Reicher's membrane next to the periphery of the placental disc. Subsequently hyphae spread along and through the extrafoetal membranes, finally reaching the foetus. In the terminal stage of infection mycosis also ensued in the placental discs. In conclusion, A. fumigatus was found to have a propensity for infecting the murine foeto-placental unit, resulting in mycotic placentitis. This series of events seems comparable to the progression of the spontaneous disease in cattle. Consequently, the pregnant mouse seems applicable as an animal model for the study of mycotic placentitis due to A. fumigatus, which in most countries is of great importance in cattle breeding.

Original languageEnglish
JournalIn Vivo
Volume4
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)247-252
Number of pages6
ISSN0258-851X
Publication statusPublished - 1990

Keywords

  • Aspergillosis
  • Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Foeto-placental unit
  • Murine model
  • Mycotic placentitis

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