Preparation of Candida albicans Biofilms Using an in vivo Rat Central Venous Catheter Model
Heather T Taff1, Karen Marchillo1, David R Andes1
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Abstract:
In vivo biofilms grown on medical devices are necessary to understand the interactions of the fungal biofilm and the host environment in which it is most commonly found. This protocol describes a way to grow Candida albicans biofilms on the interior lumen of central venous catheters surgically implanted into rats, which mimics quite well the clinical cases of biofilms found on human central venous catheters. These infected catheters can then be studied via a multitude of different experiments, including cell counting by plating, imaging the catheters under light or electron microscopy, or comparing the relative content of in vivo biofilms to in vitro biofilms and planktonic cultures. These biofilms also provide enough high quality RNA for transcriptional profiling.
Insights
This study presents a novel method for growing Candida albicans biofilms on medical devices within a living organism. This technique allows for comprehensive analysis of fungal biofilms in a clinically relevant context.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical device infections
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungal biofilms on medical devices pose significant challenges in clinical settings.
- Understanding the interaction between fungal biofilms and the host is crucial for effective treatment.
- Existing models often fail to fully replicate the complexity of in vivo biofilm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable protocol for cultivating Candida albicans biofilms on central venous catheters implanted in rats.
- To create a model that closely mimics clinical scenarios of catheter-related fungal infections.
- To facilitate diverse downstream analyses of in vivo fungal biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Surgical implantation of central venous catheters into rats.
- Inoculation and controlled growth of Candida albicans within the catheter lumen.
- Utilizing infected catheters for various experimental analyses.
- RNA extraction for transcriptional profiling.
Main Results:
- Successful establishment of Candida albicans biofilms within the lumen of implanted central venous catheters.
- The in vivo model effectively replicates clinical biofilm formation on medical devices.
- Generated biofilms yield high-quality RNA suitable for gene expression studies.
- Demonstrated feasibility for cell counting, microscopy, and comparative analyses.
Conclusions:
- The described protocol provides a robust platform for studying in vivo fungal biofilms on medical devices.
- This model enhances our understanding of fungal-host interactions in catheter-associated infections.
- The method supports comprehensive investigations, including transcriptomics, for developing targeted therapies.
