Related Experiment Videos
Development and characterization of a Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization model in mice
K B Kiser1, J M Cantey-Kiser, J C Lee
1Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|September 25, 1999
Summary
A new mouse model effectively simulates Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage, a key risk factor for infections. This model aids in studying colonization factors and developing new antimicrobial interventions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is a significant risk factor for human infections, especially in hospital settings.
- Reducing S. aureus carriage can decrease infection prevalence in high-risk populations.
- Understanding factors influencing nasal colonization is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a mouse model for studying Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.
- To investigate factors influencing the duration and success of S. aureus nasal carriage in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were intranasally inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus strain Reynolds.
- Nasal carriage was quantified by culturing nasal tissues at various time points post-inoculation.
- Colonization was assessed with different inoculum doses, mouse strains, and S. aureus strains, including a capsule-defective mutant.
Main Results:
- The majority of mice maintained S. aureus nasal carriage for at least 20 days with a high inoculum (10^8 CFU).
- Colonization rates were consistent across different inbred and outbred mouse strains.
- Streptomycin treatment enhanced long-term carriage, even with lower inocula (10^5 CFU).
- Capsule expression by S. aureus was associated with successful nasal persistence; capsule-defective mutants showed reduced colonization.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model reliably mimics Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization.
- This model is valuable for investigating S. aureus colonization mechanisms.
- The model can be used to evaluate potential antimicrobial targets and vaccine strategies.