Investigation of Corynebacterium kutscheri Infection in Laboratory Mice in Türkiye: Prevalence, Pathology and Biochemical Changes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time in Türkiye, the prevalence of Corynebacterium kutscheri in 102 laboratory mice in the Aegean Region, together with associated histopathological lesions and biochemical alterations. C. kutscheri was isolated from five mice (4.9%), all of which exhibited abscess formation and neutrophilic infiltration in the liver, lungs, and heart. Infected mice also displayed significantly elevated AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH levels compared to controls (P<0.001). These findings demonstrate that latent C. kutscheri infections, although often subclinical, can cause systemic pathology and alter biochemical parameters, potentially compromising laboratory animal analysis safety and the reliability of biomedical research. As this study provides the first comprehensive dataset on C. kutscheri in laboratory mice in Türkiye, it establishes a critical baseline for future surveillance programs. The detection of this FELASA listed pathogen underscores the urgent need for robust national health monitoring systems aligned with international standards, thereby ensuring both animal welfare and the credibility of scientific outcomes.