Further Characterization of an Experimental Staphylococcal Infection in Mice

Abstract

An intravenously induced infection of the Smith Strain of Staphylococcus aureus in CF-1 white mice was studied by histopathological, hematological and quantitative bacteriological methods. The peak of the infection occurred at approximately 10 days after an inoculum of 107 cocci per mouse. There was 15% mortality which was recorded chiefly between the 7th and 14th days postinfection; in general, infected animals showed weight loss to the 10th day. The infection was characterized by the development of suppurative nephritis, pyelonephritis and urocystitis. Marked neutrophilia was observed during the 16-day experimental period. Host factors which may have favored the development of the infection in kidneys such as the absence of a system of reticuloendothelial phagocytes in this organ and increased colloid content and lowered hydrostatic pressure of the postglomerular circulation of the papillary region are discussed.