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Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice, a Model for Studying Human HSK
Published on: December 18, 2012
Development of a Streptococcus pneumoniae keratitis model in mice
Quincy C Moore1, Clare C McCormick, Erin W Norcross
1Department of Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Miss. 39216, USA.
Ophthalmic Research
|July 25, 2009
Summary
A new mouse model for Streptococcus pneumoniae keratitis was established using A/J mice. This model successfully demonstrated bacterial infection and inflammation, aiding research into pneumococcal keratitis treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial keratitis.
- Developing animal models is crucial for understanding and treating pneumococcal keratitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible murine model for studying Streptococcus pneumoniae keratitis.
- To evaluate the susceptibility of different mouse strains to pneumococcal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Corneal scratching and topical infection with S. pneumoniae in A/J, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mice.
- Assessment using slit-lamp examination (SLE), bacterial enumeration, and corneal histology.
Main Results:
- S. pneumoniae was recovered from A/J mouse eyes up to postinfection day 3.
- A/J mice showed significantly higher SLE scores and increased inflammation compared to other strains.
- Histopathology confirmed stromal edema, immune cell infiltration, and corneal disruption in A/J mice.
Conclusions:
- A murine model of S. pneumoniae keratitis was successfully established in A/J mice.
- BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice did not develop significant keratitis in this model.
- This A/J mouse model is suitable for investigating pneumococcal keratitis pathogenesis.
