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A technique for creating localized subcutaneous Blastomyces granulomas in rats
Cary L M Bassett1, Gregory B Daniel, Philip N Bochsler
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901, USA.
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
|June 8, 2002
Summary
Researchers developed a reliable method to create subcutaneous Blastomyces dermatitidis abscesses in rats. This model allows for safe study of blastomycosis lesions and fungal behavior in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding fungal pathogenesis and testing therapeutics.
- A reliable method for inducing subcutaneous Blastomyces dermatitidis lesions in rodents is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and reliable method for inducing subcutaneous Blastomyces dermatitidis nodules in rats.
- To characterize the histologic appearance of these experimentally induced lesions.
- To assess the potential for systemic spread of Blastomyces organisms in this model.
Main Methods:
- Blastomyces yeast suspension prepared from canine isolate.
- Subcutaneous inoculation of rats (n=37) with high doses (10^9 or 10^10 organisms) over the distal tibia.
- Histologic examination of nodules and post-mortem analysis for systemic spread at various time points (7-28 days).
Main Results:
- Successful induction of subcutaneous Blastomyces abscesses in 34 of 37 rats.
- Nodules appeared within 3-7 days, reaching 2-15 mm diameter.
- Histology showed necrotic centers with granulomatous inflammation; viable yeast recovered from all lesions without systemic spread.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous Blastomyces abscesses can be reliably and safely induced in rats using 10^9 or 10^10 yeast organisms.
- The induced lesions exhibit characteristic histologic features, including granulomatous inflammation.
- This model provides a valuable tool for studying blastomycosis pathogenesis and evaluating antifungal strategies.