Bacillus cereus-Induced Malabsorption in Young Mice

Abstract

Following a single, oral dose of Bacillus cereus (2 × 10⁸ bacteria) in vitro intestinal absorption of D-glucose, D -galactose, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-ornithine and L-proline in young mice (aged 2—3¹/₂ months) decreased. Malabsorption of D-glucose was dose- and time-dependent. Impaired absorption of D-glucose occurred throughout the length of the small intestine, particularly distally. Following hydrolysis of D-maltose at the brush border, D-glucose absorption in infected mice and that of the untreated controls was similar. Using D-glucose, fluid transfer in the infected intestine and that of the controls was alike. Although slightly lower, fluid transfer in the infected intestine using the other solutes was not significantly different compared with the controls. Glucose-dependent and glucose-independent intestinal fluid transfer in infected animals was like that of the controls. Using old infected mice (aged 8–9 months) intestinal absorption of D-glucose and L-histidine was unchanged compared with young mice. The fresh small intestinal weight in infected mice and the controls was alike. Changes in the histology of the small intestine in young infected mice were small and inconsistent.

BACILLUS CEREUS PATHOGENICITY: A REVIEW

“…The enterotoxin is strongly necrotic and causes mucosal damage, other tissues being affected as well. It can also cause a glucose and amino acid malabsorption (Madge 1978). All these effects have tentatively been explained by a stimulation of the adenylate cyclase -CAMP system or a reduction of cell energy through microvilli damage (Kramer and Gilbert 1989).…”

BACILLUS CEREUS PATHOGENICITY: A REVIEW

“…The enterotoxin is strongly necrotic and causes mucosal damage, other tissues being affected as well. It can also cause a glucose and amino acid malabsorption (Madge 1978). All these effects have tentatively been explained by a stimulation of the adenylate cyclase -CAMP system or a reduction of cell energy through microvilli damage (Kramer and Gilbert 1989).…”

BACILLUS CEREUS PATHOGENICITY: A REVIEW

“…The enterotoxin is strongly necrotic and causes mucosal damage, other tissues being affected as well. It can also cause a glucose and amino acid malabsorption (Madge 1978). All these effects have tentatively been explained by a stimulation of the adenylate cyclase -CAMP system or a reduction of cell energy through microvilli damage (Kramer and Gilbert 1989).…”

BACILLUS CEREUS PATHOGENICITY: A REVIEW

“…The enterotoxin is strongly necrotic and causes mucosal damage, other tissues being affected as well. It can also cause a glucose and amino acid malabsorption (Madge 1978). All these effects have tentatively been explained by a stimulation of the adenylate cyclase -CAMP system or a reduction of cell energy through microvilli damage (Kramer and Gilbert 1989).…”