Chinchilla as a robust, reproducible and polymicrobial model of otitis media and its prevention
1The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. lauren.bakaletz@nationwidechildrens.org
Abstract:
There is compelling evidence that many infectious diseases of humans are caused by more than one microorganism. Multiple diverse in vitro systems have been used to study these complex diseases, and although the data generated have contributed greatly to our understanding of diseases of mixed microbial etiology, having rigorous, reproducible and relevant animal models of human diseases are essential for the development of novel methods to treat or prevent them. All animal models have inherent limitations; however, they also have important advantages over in vitro methods, including the presence of organized organ systems and an intact immune system, which promote our ability to characterize the pathogenesis of, and the immune response to, sequential or coinfecting microorganisms. For the highly prevalent pediatric disease otitis media, or middle-ear infection, the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) has served as a gold-standard rodent host system in which to study this multifactorial and polymicrobial disease.
Insights
Animal models are crucial for studying complex infectious diseases caused by multiple microbes. The chinchilla model is essential for understanding polymicrobial otitis media, a common pediatric infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Many human infectious diseases involve multiple microorganisms.
- In vitro systems offer insights but lack the complexity of a whole organism.
- Animal models are essential for studying disease pathogenesis and immune responses to coinfections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of animal models for studying polymicrobial infectious diseases.
- To emphasize the utility of the chinchilla model for otitis media research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on infectious disease models.
- Focus on the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) as a model for otitis media.
Main Results:
- Animal models provide advantages over in vitro systems, including integrated organ systems and immune responses.
- The chinchilla model is a gold standard for studying otitis media, a multifactorial and polymicrobial disease.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous animal models are indispensable for developing new treatments and prevention strategies for complex infectious diseases.
- The chinchilla model is vital for advancing the understanding and treatment of pediatric otitis media.
