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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
The Citrobacter rodentium Mouse Model: Studying Pathogen and Host Contributions to Infectious Colitis
Published on: February 19, 2013
Utility of the Citrobacter rodentium infection model in laboratory mice
Diana Borenshtein1, Megan E McBee, David B Schauer
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
There have been considerable advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection. Given the difficulty of infecting laboratory mice with these diarrhea-causing pathogens, a growing number of studies have found the murine bacterial pathogen Citrobacter rodentium to provide a robust, relevant in-vivo model system.
Recent Findings:
All inbred strains and outbred stocks of laboratory mice studied to date have been found to be susceptible to C. rodentium infection. The natural course of disease ranges from subclinical epithelial hyperplasia in the colon, to clinical diarrhea and colitis, to fatal infection, depending on the age, genetic background, and health status of the host. Infection is self-limiting, leading to disease resolution and protective immunity. Here we review recent discoveries related to bacterial virulence determinants, epithelial hyperplasia, innate and adaptive immune responses, and mechanisms of diarrhea.
Summary:
Infection of laboratory mice with C. rodentium provides a useful in-vivo model for studying the pathogenesis of infectious gastroenteritis and acute diarrheal illness, and for preclinical evaluation of candidate preventive and therapeutic agents.
Insights
Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice offers a valuable model for studying infectious gastroenteritis. This model aids in understanding diarrheal diseases and evaluating potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infections are difficult to model in mice.
- Citrobacter rodentium is a murine bacterial pathogen that serves as a relevant in-vivo model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent discoveries in Citrobacter rodentium infection.
- To highlight its utility as a model for infectious gastroenteritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Citrobacter rodentium infection in laboratory mice.
- Analysis of host-pathogen interactions, immune responses, and disease mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Laboratory mice are susceptible to Citrobacter rodentium, with disease severity varying by host factors.
- Infection is self-limiting, leading to resolution and protective immunity.
- Recent discoveries cover bacterial virulence, epithelial hyperplasia, immune responses, and diarrhea mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Citrobacter rodentium infection in mice is a useful in-vivo model for studying gastroenteritis pathogenesis.
- This model is valuable for preclinical evaluation of preventive and therapeutic agents for diarrheal diseases.
