Bacterial host resistance models in the evaluation of immunotoxicity

To assess potential immunomodulatory effects of a drug, pollutant, or natural product, an analysis of an exposed host's ability to resist challenge with a viable bacteria is one of the best gauges. Many factors govern whether a host exposed to a test agent and then infected becomes ill or dies at rates greater than infected control counterparts. Beyond the status of the host's immunocompetence, a bacterium's route of entry into the host and its inherent virulence are important variables determining how (and rate at which) an infection resolves. A pre-determination of endpoint(s) to be defined is critical during planning of resistance assays. If a study is to determine overall changes in immunocompetence due to exposure (regardless of regimen or dosage of test agent), then assessing shifts in morbidity/mortality at a defined lethal dose [LD(x)] value for the chosen route of infection would suffice. However, if a study is to define extent of immunomodulation in a particular body organ/cavity--or specific alterations in particular aspects of the humoral or cell-mediated immune responses--then careful selection of the pathogen, dose of the inoculum, means of infection of target site, and extent of the post-infection period to be examined, need to be made prior to host exposure to the test toxicant. This review will provide the Reader with background information about bacterial infections and how endpoint selection could be approached when designing resistance assays. An overview of protocols involved in the assays (e.g., bacterial preparation, host infection, post-infection endpoint analyses) and information about three bacteria that are among the most commonly employed in resistance assays is provided as well.