Evaluation of intestinal damage caused by V. cholerae O139, an in vivo study

•V. cholerae O139 infection damaged the microvilli and integrity of the surface epithelium.•V. cholerae O139 induces destruction of lining epithelium with exposure of crypts of Lieberkuhn.

Cholera, a severe form of gastroenteritis, is one of the most widespread diseases in developing countries. The mechanism of intestinal infection caused by V. cholerae O139 remains unclear. In order to explore some morphological aspects of its infection in the intestine including Peyer's patches, we investigated the V. cholerae O139 infection at intestinal site of the rabbit gut-loop model. The electron microscopic analysis revealed denuded mucosal surface with loss of microvilli and integrity of the surface epithelium. Infection of the intestine with V. cholerae O139 induces destruction of villi, microvilli and lining epithelium with exposure of crypts of Lieberkuhn.