Chicken embryo model for type III group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal septicemia

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Abstract
A lethal septicemia was induced in 11 and 12 day old chicken embryos with i.v. inoculation of relatively small numbers of a clinical isolate (GBBHS-III-Bell) or a reference strain (GBBHS-III-D136-C) of group B .beta.-hemolytic streptococci (GBBHS). GBBHS-III-Bell was more virulent than GBBHS-III-D136-C, and 11 day old chicken embryos were more susceptible than 12 day old chicken embryos. Type-specific rabbit antisera protected the embryos from bacterial challenge, and this protective effect was absorbed with homologous but not heterologous GBBHS strains. A heterologous antiserum and normal rabbit sera provided some protection, which could be absorbed with homologous or heterologous GBBHS strains. The chicken embryo is a suitable animal model for the study of infection and immunity with GBBHS type III.