Bioluminescence Imaging of Colonization and Clearance Dynamics of Brucella Suis Vaccine Strain S2 in Mice and Guinea Pigs

Purpose The goal of this study was to develop a plasmid-based lux bio-reporter for use to obtain in vivo images of Brucella suis vaccine strain 2 ( B.suis S2) infection with high resolution and good definition. Procedures The pBBR- lux (pBBR1MCS-2-lxCDABE) plasmid that carries the luxCDABE operon was introduced into B. suis S2 by electroporation yielding B. suis S2- lux . The spatial and temporal transit of B. suis S2 in mice and guinea pigs was monitored by bioluminescence imaging. Results The plasmid pBBR-lux is stable in vivo and does not appear to impact the virulence or growth of bacteria. This sensitive luciferase reporter could represent B. suis S2 survival in real time . B. suis S2 mainly colonized the lungs, liver, spleen, and uterus in mice and guinea pigs as demonstrated by bioluminescence imaging. Conclusion The plasmid-based lux bioreporter strategy can be used to obtain high resolution in vivo images of B. suis S2 infection in mice and guinea pigs.