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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Value of an inhalational model of invasive aspergillosis
William J Steinbach1, Daniel K Benjamin, Scott A Trasi
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Box 3499, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. stein022@mc.duke.edu
Abstract:
Animal models of invasive aspergillosis have been used for virulence studies and antifungal efficacy evaluations but results have been inconsistent. In an attempt to reproduce human infection, many Aspergillus animal models have utilized a 'pulmonary route' for delivery of conidia, largely through intranasal instillation. However, several radiolabeled particle studies have shown that aerosol delivery is preferable to intranasal instillation to create a more homogenous delivery to the lungs. We hypothesized that an inhalational model would be more robust for studies of invasive aspergillosis pathogenesis and antifungal therapy. We developed an inhalational model of Aspergillus fumigatus infection using a Hinners inhalation chamber and demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction that this new inhalational model creates a more homogenous murine pneumonia, facilitating analysis of mutant strains and treatment regimens.
Insights
Developing a new inhalational model for invasive aspergillosis in mice improves lung infection homogeneity. This robust model enhances the study of Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis and antifungal drug efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Invasive aspergillosis research relies on animal models for virulence and antifungal studies.
- Current models often use intranasal instillation, leading to inconsistent results due to non-homogenous lung delivery.
- Aerosol delivery is recognized as superior for uniform lung distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a more robust inhalational animal model for invasive aspergillosis.
- To improve the homogeneity of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in murine lungs.
- To facilitate more accurate studies of pathogenesis and antifungal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Development of an inhalational model using a Hinners inhalation chamber for Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Utilized quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for infection analysis.
- Compared inhalational delivery to intranasal instillation.
Main Results:
- The inhalational model demonstrated more homogenous murine pneumonia compared to intranasal methods.
- Quantitative PCR confirmed uniform distribution of Aspergillus fumigatus in the lungs.
- The model proved effective for analyzing mutant strains and treatment regimens.
Conclusions:
- An inhalational model provides a more robust and reproducible platform for invasive aspergillosis research.
- This improved model enhances the study of Aspergillus fumigatus pathogenesis.
- The model facilitates more reliable evaluation of antifungal therapies.
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