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In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
[Haematogenous osteomyelitis induced by strain SMU-0611 of Staphylococcus warneri in mice]
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Strain SMU-0611 of Staphylococcus warneri isolated from clinical specimens (1.25 x 10(9) colony forming units) was intravenously administered into mice. Strain SMU-0611 caused remarkable inflammation characterized by roentgenographically recognizable changes in bone at 14 days after the injection. A number of organisms were detected in the bone marrow for as long as 35 days after the injection, suggesting specific lodgement of the strain in mouse bone marrow. Concerning the X-ray features of the mice, multiple foci of osteolytic changes were shown in the metaphysis of the femur and the tibia obtained 14 days after the injection. However, these changes did not aggravate at all for 56 days after the injection.
Insights
Staphylococcus warneri strain SMU-0611 caused significant bone inflammation and osteolytic changes in mice within 14 days. The bacteria persisted in bone marrow for 35 days, indicating a potential for bone infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus warneri is a coagulase-negative staphylococci species.
- Clinical isolates of S. warneri can cause infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic potential of Staphylococcus warneri strain SMU-0611 in a mouse model.
- To characterize the bone-related changes induced by S. warneri infection.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous administration of Staphylococcus warneri strain SMU-0611 (1.25 x 10^9 CFU) into mice.
- Radiographic examination of mouse bones at 14, and 56 days post-injection.
- Detection of bacteria in bone marrow samples.
Main Results:
- Strain SMU-0611 induced significant bone inflammation and osteolytic lesions in the femur and tibia metaphysis by day 14.
- Organisms were detected in bone marrow up to 35 days post-injection.
- The observed bone lesions did not progress between day 14 and day 56.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus warneri strain SMU-0611 demonstrates osteolytic potential in vivo.
- The mouse bone marrow serves as a site for S. warneri lodgement and persistence.
- The study highlights the importance of considering S. warneri in bone infection pathogenesis.

