Characterization ofBartonella henselae‐specific immunity in BALB/c mice

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Abstract
BALB/c mice were inoculated withBartonella henselaeby both systemic and mucosal routes. Culture analysis of tissues from mice infected intraperitoneally with a high dose ofB. henselaeyielded positive results 24 hr after infection. However, culture analysis of blood taken between 6 hr and 7 days after infection from groups receiving liveB. henselaewere negative. Following intraperitoneal infection,B. henselaewas detected by polymerase chain reaction in liver and mesenteric lymph nodes by 6 hr and up to 7 days after infection in liver, kidney and spleen tissue. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of serum samples collected as early as 13 days after infection indicated humoral immune responses toB. henselae. Specific humoral responses remained through week 6. Analysis of faecal samples revealed induction ofB. henselae‐specific immunoglobulin A by day 28 after infection. In addition, B. henselae‐specific cellular responses were indicated by a positive delayed‐type hypersensitivity and a T helper 1 (Th1) (CD4+T cell)‐type cytokine response followingin vitrostimulation of splenocytes. The significance and implications of these data in relation toB. henselaeinfections are discussed.