PRODUCTION OF EROSIONS AND ULCERS OF THE COLON IN SYRIAN HAMSTERS WITH BACTEROIDES VULGATUS ISOLATED FROM THE FECAL MICROFLORA OF HUMAN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract

We have attempted to produce experimental ulcerative colitis in Syrian hamsters by inoculating organisms of Bacteroides vulgatus into the cecum. We used an isolate of B. vulgatus from the fecal microflora of human ulcerative colitis, which showed cytopathic effects to cultured cells and resistance to clindamycin and the aminoglycosides. Prior to inoculation with the organisms, hamsters were treated with clinidamycin and tobramycin to reduce the intestinal microflora.
Four of the 12 hamsters inoculated with the organisms developed erosion and ulceration in cecal mucosa as observed histologically. One of them showed crypt abscess in cecal mucosa and 6 of 12 hamsters developed mucosal hemorrhage and congestion. All of 12 hamsters showed histological evidence of mild to severe inflammation in cecal mucosa.
Control group of 12 hamsters did not develop erosion and ulceration in cecal mucosa as observed histologically.
The results that an isolate from the fecal microflora of human ulcerative colitis produced changes similar to human ulcerative colitis in Syrian hamsters suggest that B. vulgatus play an improtant role in producing erosions and ulcers of the colon.