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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
A new topical model of Staphylococcus corneal infection in the mouse
Dalia O Girgis1, Gregory D Sloop, Julian M Reed
1Department of Microbiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Purpose:
To establish, in the scarified mouse eye, a new model of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis suitable for studies of pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms.
Methods:
Corneas of three strains of mice (BALB/c, A/J, and C57BL/6) were scarified and inoculated with S. aureus strain 8325-4. Mice underwent slit lamp examination (SLE) at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days after infection and were killed. Histopathologic analyses, determination of bacterial colony-forming units (CFU), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assays were performed at each time point.
Results:
S. aureus keratitis developed in both BALB/c and A/J strains of mice, but not in C57BL/6. The BALB/c and A/J strains demonstrated greater susceptibility to infection, as evidenced by significantly higher SLE scores and more viable bacteria per infected eye than in C57BL/6 mice at 5, 7, and 9 days after infection (P
Conclusions:
These studies demonstrate the establishment of Staphylococcus keratitis in the mouse eye. This model should provide for a large range of future studies that are currently unavailable in the rabbit keratitis model, particularly those requiring a genetically altered host or specific immunologic reagents.
Insights
This study establishes a new mouse model for Staphylococcus aureus keratitis, offering a valuable tool for studying eye infections and host immune responses. The model effectively mimics bacterial keratitis in susceptible mouse strains, aiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Bacterial keratitis, particularly Staphylococcus aureus keratitis, poses a significant threat to vision.
- Current research models, such as rabbit keratitis models, have limitations in studying host defense mechanisms and utilizing genetically modified organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis.
- To assess the suitability of this model for investigating the pathogenesis of bacterial keratitis and host immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Scarification and inoculation of mouse corneas (BALB/c, A/J, C57BL/6) with S. aureus.
- Monitoring disease progression via slit lamp examination (SLE).
- Quantification of bacterial load (colony-forming units, CFU) and host inflammatory response (myeloperoxidase, MPO activity).
Main Results:
- S. aureus keratitis successfully developed in BALB/c and A/J mice, but not in C57BL/6 mice.
- BALB/c and A/J mice showed significantly higher infection susceptibility, evidenced by elevated SLE scores and bacterial CFU.
- Histopathology confirmed polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) infiltration, corneal edema, and erosion in susceptible mouse strains.
Conclusions:
- A reproducible mouse model for Staphylococcus aureus keratitis has been established.
- This model offers advantages over existing rabbit models, particularly for studies involving genetic manipulation and specific immunological reagents.
- The model is suitable for future research into the pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms of bacterial keratitis.
