The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect most mammals. In mice, it can persist in the lower respiratory tract for up to 70 days.
CIDD researchers have already shown that mice need specific antibodies to clear B. bronchiseptica infections.
In the journal Infection and Immunity, Mylisa Parette and Eric Harvill demonstrate that gamma interferon is also necessary. Interestingly, B. bronchiseptica's type three secretion system appears to inhibit production of gamma interferon, and hence delays clearance of the bacteria from the host's lungs.
Written By: Mylisa R. Pilione& Eric T. Harvill
Paper Url: http://iai.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/74/2/1043
Journal: 74: 1043-1049
Journal Reference: 74: 1043-1049
Paper Id: 10.1128/IAI.74.2.1043-1049.2006