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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 18, 2014
[Distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in experimentally infected mice (author's transl)]
Abstract:
The distribution of experimentally administered Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied in germfree CF no. 1 mice, barrier-sustained DDD mice with or without oral treatment of aminobenzyl-penicillin and conventional DDD mice. On day 1 after oral administration of 8 X 10(7) organisms, more than 10(8) of organisms/g were recovered from the feces of ex-germfree mice and the number was maintained during the experiment. On the other hand, from barrier-sustained mice with antibiotic treatment and those without the treatment, 10(4-7) and 10(3) organisms were recovered, respectively. In all of monoassociated mice and some antibiotic-treated barrier-sustained ones the organisms were recovered also from the lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys. In conventional mice, however, no organisms were recovered from the internal organs throughout the experiment, while some were detectable from the intestinal tracts. The distribution of the organisms in naturally infected mice appears to be similar to that of experimentally infected animals with antibiotics.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa distribution varied significantly in mice. Germfree mice showed high fecal shedding, while conventional mice had limited internal organ colonization, similar to antibiotic-treated groups.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Understanding Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization is crucial for infection control.
- The role of gut microbiota and antibiotic treatment in P. aeruginosa distribution is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and colonization patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different mouse models.
- To compare P. aeruginosa distribution in germfree, antibiotic-treated, and conventional mice.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to germfree, barrier-sustained (with/without aminobenzyl-penicillin), and conventional mice.
- Quantification of P. aeruginosa in feces, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys at various time points.
- Comparison of experimental infection with naturally infected mice.
Main Results:
- Ex-germfree mice exhibited high fecal P. aeruginosa shedding (>10^8 organisms/g).
- Barrier-sustained mice showed lower recovery (10^3-10^7 organisms/g), with some systemic spread in antibiotic-treated groups.
- Conventional mice had limited intestinal tract detection and no internal organ recovery.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota significantly impacts Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and systemic spread.
- Antibiotic treatment can alter P. aeruginosa distribution, increasing potential for organ invasion.
- Experimental findings in antibiotic-treated mice resemble patterns observed in naturally infected animals.
