Haematological reactions of rabbits infected intravenously with Listeria strains of different virulence.

Listeria strains of different virulence were injected intravenously into rabbits of both sexes (2-4 kg). The infectious dose was 10(8) cells/kg. Blood samples were taken from the ear wein one day and immediately before the infection, then 3 h, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 10 days after it. Total white blood cell counts and their changes were determined and the number of lysosomal granules in neutrophils were counted. A marked monocytic reaction was observed after the injection of virulent Listeria monocytogenes 18 and 87/5467, partly virulent Listeria ivanovii, non-pathogenic Listeria seeligeri 87/5626 and 87/5575, and Listeria murrayi G44 strains. A late slow growth was provoked by Listeria innocua C644 and a very slight reaction by Listeria welshimeri 1830 strains. There was no change after injection of L. innocua strain 10. The number of lysosomal granules decreased significantly and remained at a low level for 6 days after the infection of L. monocytogenes strain 18 and for 3 days after the injection of L. innocua strain 10.