Animal models simulating anaerobic infections
1Channing Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 2115, USA. aonderdonk@partners.org
Abstract:
Animal models simulating human disease have played an important role in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of infections caused by obligately anaerobic bacteria. These models helped document the primary source of such infections as the host's own normal microflora. In addition, the polymicrobial nature of anaerobic infections was documented by using animal models for intraabdominal sepsis. Subsequent studies using animal models have led to an understanding of the nature of the host immune response to abscess causing agents and have been instrumental in defining the molecular basis for the virulence and protection provided by the polysaccharide capsule of Bacteroides fragilis. Animal models have also been important components for studies of toxigenic clostridial diseases, such as antibiotic associated colitis and ulcerative colitis. A discussion of some of these models is provided in this review.
Insights
Animal models are crucial for studying anaerobic bacterial infections, revealing their origins from host microflora and their complex, polymicrobial nature. These models advance understanding of immune responses and virulence factors, aiding in disease treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models in Research
Background:
- Obligate anaerobic bacteria are significant human pathogens.
- Understanding their pathogenesis and treatment is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of animal models in studying anaerobic bacterial infections.
- To highlight key insights gained from these models regarding infection sources, immune responses, and virulence factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing animal models to simulate human infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- Employing models for intra-abdominal sepsis to study polymicrobial infections.
- Investigating host immune responses and bacterial virulence mechanisms in vivo.
Main Results:
- Animal models confirmed the endogenous origin of anaerobic infections from host microflora.
- Models elucidated the polymicrobial nature of infections like intra-abdominal sepsis.
- Studies defined the role of the polysaccharide capsule of Bacteroides fragilis in virulence and protection.
- Animal models were instrumental in studying diseases such as antibiotic-associated colitis.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are indispensable tools for unraveling the complexities of anaerobic bacterial infections.
- These models provide critical insights into pathogenesis, host immunity, and therapeutic strategies.
- Continued use of animal models will drive further advancements in treating anaerobic bacterial diseases.
