Abstract
In current literature, data assessing the acid-base equilibrium in animals and humans during bacterial infection are rare. This study aimed to evaluate acid-base deteriorations in growing goats with experimentally induced NTM (nontuberculous mycobacteria) infections by application of the traditional Henderson-Hasselbalch approach and the strong ion model. NTM-challenged animals were orally inoculated with either Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH; n = 18) or Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP; n = 48). Twenty-five goats served as non-infected controls. Until 51st week post-inoculation (wpi), blood gas analysis, serum biochemical analysis, and serum electrophoresis were performed on venous blood. Fifty percent (9/18) of goats inoculated with MAH developed acute clinical signs like apathy, fever, and diarrhea. Those animals died or had to be euthanized within 11 weeks post-inoculation. This acute form of NTM-infection was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of sodium, calcium, albumin, and total protein, as well as significantly higher concentrations of gamma globulin, associated with reduced albumin/globulin ratio. Acid-base status indicated alkalosis, but normal base excess and HCO3- concentrations, besides significantly reduced levels of SID (strong ion difference), Atot Alb (total plasma concentration of weak non-volatile acids, based on albumin), Atot TP (Atot based on total protein) and markedly lower SIG (strong ion gap). The remaining fifty percent (9/18) of MAH-infected goats and all goats challenged with MAP survived and presented a more sub-clinical, chronic form of infection mainly characterized by changes in serum protein profiles. With the progression of the disease, concentrations of gamma globulin, and total protein increased while albumin remained lower compared to controls. Consequently, significantly reduced albumin/globulin ratio and lower Atot Alb as well as higher Atot TP were observed. Changes were fully compensated with no effect on blood pH. Only the strong ion variables differentiated alterations in acid-base equilibrium during acute and chronic NTM-infection.
Highlights
Any bacterial infection is a complex event challenging homeostasis in the host organism in diverse ways depending on the infection site, the pathogen, the pathology, and the severity of infection
Acid-base variables in acute and chronic form of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection remaining 9 goats inoculated with Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) presented milder symptoms and recovered clinically until 12th-15th wpi (S2 Table)
Acute nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-infection led to substantial imbalances in homeostasis, accompanied by massive hypoalbuminemia, significantly lower acid total (Atot) and strong ion difference (SID) values, hypocapnia, alkalosis, and signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), respectively, consistent with sepsis
Summary
Any bacterial infection is a complex event challenging homeostasis in the host organism in diverse ways depending on the infection site, the pathogen, the pathology, and the severity of infection. Basic data assessing the general effects of bacterial infection on acid-base balance are rare. An acute respiratory acidosis and strong ion (metabolic) acidosis was documented in pigs with an induced respiratory Chlamydia suis infection [1]. A mixed interplay between respiratory alkalosis (due to hyperventilation) and counterbalancing metabolic effects were reported in calves inoculated with the respiratory pathogen Chlamydia psittaci [2]. The effect of subclinical bacterial infection on acid-base equilibrium has yet to be elucidated. The effect of NTM-infections on acid-base homeostasis has not been assessed in animals or men so far
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
