{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Unraveling host-pathogen dynamics in a murine Model of septic peritonitis induced by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
{Author}: Yuan X;Song X;Zhang X;Hu L;Zhou D;Zhang J;Dai C;
{Journal}: Virulence
{Volume}: 15
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Dec
{Factor}: 5.428
{DOI}: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2367659
{Abstract}: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) infection is associated with higher mortality rates. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of innate immune cells and signalling pathways in clearing E. faecium, but a comprehensive analysis of host-pathogen interactions is lacking. Here, we investigated the interplay of host and E. faecium in a murine model of septic peritonitis. Following injection with a sublethal dose, we observed significantly increased murine sepsis score and histological score, decreased weight and bacterial burden, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration, and comprehensive activation of cytokine-mediated signalling pathway. In mice receiving a lethal dose, hypothermia significantly improved survival, reduced bacterial burden, cytokines, and CD86 expression of MHC-II+ recruited macrophages compared to the normothermia group. A mathematical model constructed by observational data from 80 animals, recapitulated the host-pathogen interplay, and further verified the benefits of hypothermia. These findings indicate that E. faecium triggers a severe activation of cytokine-mediated signalling pathway, and hypothermia can improve outcomes by reducing bacterial burden and inflammation.