Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
06:18
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Staphylococcus-induced urolithiasis in estrogen-treated ovariectomized nude mice
Lona K Gibbs1, Debra L Hickman, Anne D Lewis
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA.
Summary
This study found Staphylococcus intermedius infection in nude mice with breast cancer led to skin lesions and severe bladder stones (urolithiasis). This unexpected complication highlights potential risks in immunocompromised animal models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology Research
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ovariectomized nude mice are used as models for human breast cancer xenografts.
- Estrogen pellets are often used to promote tumor growth in these models.
- The study aimed to investigate breast cancer progression in this model.
Observation:
- Ulcerative skin lesions developed in mice after implantation of human breast cancer cells and estrogen pellets.
- Staphylococcus intermedius was identified as the causative agent in skin lesions.
- All necropsied mice exhibited severe cystitis and urolithiasis with struvite stones.
Findings:
- A high incidence of cystitis and urolithiasis was observed in the mice.
- Gram-positive cocci, consistent with S. intermedius, were found in kidneys and bladders.
- This represents a novel association between S. intermedius infection and urolithiasis in this model.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential complication of S. intermedius infection in immunocompromised mouse models.
- This highlights the importance of monitoring for secondary infections and their sequelae in research animals.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the pathogenesis of S. intermedius-associated urolithiasis.
