Abortion, Stillbirth, Early Death of Young in Rabbits by Listeria monocytogenes. II. Oral Exposure.

Abstract

When suspensions of Listeria monocytogenes were added to the drinking water of 6 rabbits at the end of 2 weeks of gestation, 2 aborted and survived; 3 aborted and died; and one died before abortion. When 8 does were exposed 5 days to 30 hours prepartum, the young suffered an intrauterine infection which resulted in either stillbirth or death within the first 5 days of life. Metritis was most consistently observed in necrop-sied does. In aborted fetuses and newborn, focal hepatic necrosis was most consistenly observed. L. monocytogenes was cultivated readily from the uterus of necropsied does and from the cotyledons, amniotic fluid, liver and stomach contents of the fetuses and from the liver and stomach contents of the young. Seven of 9 does rebred 11-27 days postpartum but not reexposed gave birth to normal appearing litters. Eight nonpregnant female and 2 male rabbits were not affected by a similar exposure. The need of reevaluation and a broader concept of infections due to L. monocytogenes are discussed.