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Inoculated mouse model of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
M S Bartlett1, S F Queener, M M Durkin
1Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202-5250.
Abstract:
A transtracheally inoculated mouse model of Pneumocystis carinii has been developed using BALB/c mice, a widely available strain free of latent P. carinii infection. The mean infectivity score of untreated inoculated mice was 4.1 compared to the mean infectivity score of 0.1 for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (50/250 mg/kg) treated inoculated mice, approximately a four-log difference. An inoculated mouse model of P. carinii infection provides both a source of organisms from a different host and an animal model for study of drugs for therapy and prophylaxis which is less costly than rats and which requires less drug than required for rats.
Insights
A new mouse model for Pneumocystis carinii infection was developed. This model effectively shows drug efficacy for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Infectious diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant opportunistic infection.
- Existing animal models for studying PCP are often costly or require substantial drug quantities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective and efficient transtracheal mouse model for Pneumocystis carinii infection.
- To establish a reliable animal model for evaluating therapeutic and prophylactic drugs against PCP.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice, confirmed free of latent P. carinii, were transtracheally inoculated.
- Infectivity scores were compared between untreated infected mice and those treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (50/250 mg/kg).
Main Results:
- Untreated inoculated mice exhibited a mean infectivity score of 4.1.
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole treated mice showed a significantly lower mean infectivity score of 0.1, representing a four-log difference.
- The mouse model provides a viable source of P. carinii organisms.
Conclusions:
- The developed transtracheal mouse model is effective for studying P. carinii infections.
- This model offers a less expensive and lower-drug-requirement alternative to rat models for PCP research.
- It serves as a valuable tool for assessing drug efficacy in PCP therapy and prophylaxis.