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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Animal Model of Implant-Associated Infections in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2025
A murine model for septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint
Xie-Yi Cai1, Chi Yang, Zhi-Yuan Zhang
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
This study was designed to establish a murine model of hematogenously acquired bacterial arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to investigate the pathogenesis of this rare TMJ infection.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred forty mice were inoculated intravenously with 3 different staphylococcal suspensions. They were sacrificed at intervals between 1 day and 2 months. Bacterial cultures were obtained from peripheral blood, liver, kidney, TMJs, knees, and interphalangeal joints. The TMJs were collected for histopathological examination.
Results:
Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from the joint fluid of a patient with septic arthritis of the TMJ, was recovered from the liver, kidneys, knees, interphalangeal joints, and TMJs of several animals. Blood cultures were negative. Acute septic arthritis of the TMJs was confirmed in several animals as soon as 4 days after inoculation. Histopathology showed severe damage to chondrocytes and collagen fibers in the condyles and discs, leading to extensive degenerative changes. All cultures were negative, and there were no histopathologic changes in animals inoculated with bacteria from the other sources.
Conclusions:
A murine model for hematogenous septic arthritis of the TMJ was successfully developed with S. aureus isolated from a patient with a TMJ infection. The bacteria induced multiple organ and joint infections. Septic arthritis of the TMJ occurred in 21% of the animals inoculated. Onset was rapid. It produced extensive degenerative changes. The study confirms the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients with septic arthritis. The model may prove to be very useful in the study of this rare infection.
Insights
A new mouse model successfully replicates Staphylococcus aureus temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bacterial arthritis, revealing rapid onset and severe joint damage. This model aids in studying this rare TMJ infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bacterial arthritis is a rare but severe condition.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of TMJ infections is limited due to a lack of suitable animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a murine model of hematogenously acquired bacterial arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- To investigate the pathogenesis of this rare TMJ infection using Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Methods:
- 140 mice were intravenously inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus.
- Bacterial cultures and histopathological examinations were performed on various organs and joints, including the TMJs.
- Animals were observed over a 2-month period.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was successfully recovered from multiple organs and joints, including the TMJs, in inoculated mice.
- Acute septic arthritis of the TMJs was confirmed as early as 4 days post-inoculation.
- Histopathology revealed severe chondrocyte and collagen damage, leading to degenerative changes in the TMJs.
Conclusions:
- A murine model for hematogenous septic arthritis of the TMJ was successfully developed using S. aureus.
- The model demonstrated rapid onset and significant degenerative changes, mirroring human TMJ infections.
- This model provides a valuable tool for studying the pathogenesis and potential treatments of rare TMJ infections.
