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Lower respiratory tract infection in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) infected with group A Streptococcus

Randall J Olsen1, Madiha Ashraf, Vedia E Gonulal

  • 1Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|August 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A new cynomolgus macaque model effectively mimics severe Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bronchopneumonia in humans. This model aids research into the molecular pathogenesis of GAS lower respiratory tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes strep throat and necrotizing fasciitis.
  • GAS is an uncommon but severe cause of community-acquired bronchopneumonia with high mortality.
  • Understanding GAS lower respiratory tract infection molecular pathogenesis is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a relevant human infection model for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bronchopneumonia.
  • To investigate the molecular pathogenesis of GAS in the lower respiratory tract.

Main Methods:

  • Cynomolgus macaques were infected via intra-bronchial instillation of GAS.
  • Animals were monitored, and samples collected for histological, microbial, biomarker, and gene expression analyses.
  • Disease progression and pathological features were assessed five days post-inoculation.

Main Results:

  • The cynomolgus macaque model replicated clinical and pathological features of severe GAS bronchopneumonia.
  • Histological examination revealed characteristic inflammatory responses in the lungs.
  • Microbial cultures confirmed GAS presence and load in infected animals.

Conclusions:

  • A novel cynomolgus macaque model accurately represents human GAS bronchopneumonia.
  • This model provides a valuable platform for studying GAS lower respiratory tract infection.
  • Further research can utilize this model to test hypotheses on GAS pathogenesis.

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