Comparative study of brain and eye infected by Escherichia coli Isolated From River Water in Male and Female Rats

No sex differences in the Histology of E. coli-infected Rat Cerebrum

Abstract

Objective: One important hormone and neurotransmitter that is vital to the body and brain is dopamine. It functions as a chemical messenger between neurons in the brain as a neurotransmitter, impacting several critical functions like mood regulation, reward and pleasure systems, motor control, and cognitive function. A varied group of bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) (STEC strain) is frequently found in both human and animal intestines. Although the majority of E. coli strains are benign and essential for gut health and digestion, certain strains can seriously cause harm to individuals. There is a lack of information regarding shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in river water, and it is crucial to comprehend its true situation.. This bacterium can infect and cause changes in behaviour and daily life. Therefore, rats (males and females) were infected to determine the changes that might occur between them. 

Methods: Ten rats (five male and five female) were infected with E. coli, and brain samples were collected to make histological sections and assess dopamine levels.

Results: This bacterium infects the brain through the eyes and affects the cerebral histologic and dopamine level with significant differences.

Conclusion: Our findings show that an E. coli infection changes histological brain and dopamine levels, pointing to a possible connection between gut flora and neurological function, and there are no differences between male and female.