Related Experiment Videos
Inoculated mouse model of Pneumocystis carinii infection
M S Bartlett1, S F Queener, M M Durkin
1Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202-5250.
Abstract:
A transtracheally inoculated mouse model of Pneumocystis carinii has been developed using BALB/c mice. The advantage of this strain of mice include that they are widely available, inexpensive, and were not infected with Pneumocystis before inoculation. Inoculated mice that were not treated had a mean infectivity score of 4.1 compared with inoculated mice treated with the effective anti-Pneumocystis drug combination of trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole, which had a mean infectivity score of 0.1, an approximately 4 log difference. The inoculated BALB/c mouse provides a model to serve as a valuable addition to rat models currently used, providing a source of organisms from a different host for cross-species comparisons and for studies of drug efficacy for therapy and prophylaxis. The inoculated mouse is especially cost effective and allows testing of compounds in short supply.
Insights
A new mouse model using BALB/c mice for Pneumocystis carinii infection was developed. This cost-effective model aids in studying drug efficacy for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) treatment and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant opportunistic infection.
- Existing Pneumocystis research models, primarily rat-based, have limitations.
- Development of alternative host models is crucial for comparative studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a novel mouse model for Pneumocystis carinii infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole in this new model.
- To provide a cost-effective and accessible model for Pneumocystis research.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were transtracheally inoculated with Pneumocystis carinii.
- Inoculated mice were divided into treated (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and untreated groups.
- Infectivity scores were assessed to quantify parasite burden.
Main Results:
- Untreated inoculated mice exhibited a high mean infectivity score (4.1).
- Mice treated with trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole showed a significantly reduced mean infectivity score (0.1), a 4-log difference.
- BALB/c mice are readily available, inexpensive, and free from prior Pneumocystis infection.
Conclusions:
- The transtracheally inoculated BALB/c mouse model is a viable and effective system for studying Pneumocystis carinii.
- This model offers a valuable alternative to rat models, enabling cross-species comparisons.
- The model is particularly useful for cost-effective screening of anti-Pneumocystis compounds for therapy and prophylaxis.