Histopathological manifestation of Escherichia toxicoinfection in rabbits in acute experience

Escherichia infection is an urgent problem for animal husbandry worldwide. Pathogenic strains of E. coli, possessing a wide range of virulent factors, entering the body, can lead to complications and damage to various organ systems, including outside the gastrointestinal tract. Histopathological studies contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis, host reactions and interactions at the tissue level in various forms of Escherichia infection, as well as the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies. The aim of the work was to study the effect of exometabolites of pathogenic E. coli on the histological picture of internal organs and systems in rabbits. We used molecular genetics, bacteriological, serological, biological and histopathological research methods. Characteristic histological signs associated with toxicoinfections of pathogenic Escherichia coli producing shig-like, thermostable and thermolabile exotoxins have been established. Histosections of the intestinal tract and urinary system revealed the destruction of microvilli in the distal parts of the small and colon, thrombotic microangiopathy in the kidneys, which included edema of the endothelium, thrombosis in glomerular capillaries, fibrin deposition, mesangiolysis and damage to the tubular epithelium. From the central nervous system, perivascular constriction, inflammation of the meninges, necrosis of neurons and gliosis were observed. We have noted pathohistological effects in the form of toxic liver dystrophy and pulmonary emphysema. Specific patterns of histological tissue damage have been revealed, indicating the mechanisms of interaction of various pathotypes of E. coli and the potentiating effect of the metabolites produced by them. The results obtained can contribute to the improvement of strategies for the treatment and prevention of toxigenic escherichiosis.