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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Bioluminescent Bacterial Imaging In Vivo
Published on: November 4, 2012
Development of Bioluminescent Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC 29544 in a Mouse Model
Xiwen Wang1, Zhiping Li1, Xiaolin Dong1
1Institute of Military Veterinary, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging pathogen that causes severe and life-threatening conditions including meningitis, bacteremia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. An animal model study for extrapolation of C. sakazakii infection can provide a better understanding of pathogenesis. However, methods for real-time monitoring of the course of C. sakazakii infection in living animals have been lacking. We developed a bioluminescent C. sakazakii strain (ATCC 29544) that can be used for real-time monitoring of C. sakazakii infection in BALB/c mice. C. sakazakii ATCC 29544 mainly colonized brain, liver, spleen, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, as indicated by bioluminescence imaging. This work provides a novel approach for studying the progression of C. sakazakii infection and evaluating therapeutics in a living mouse model.
Insights
Researchers developed a bioluminescent Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) strain for real-time infection monitoring in mice. This tool aids in understanding C. sakazakii pathogenesis and evaluating new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii) is an emerging pathogen causing severe infections like meningitis and bacteremia.
- Understanding C. sakazakii pathogenesis requires effective methods for real-time monitoring in animal models.
- Current methods lack real-time tracking of C. sakazakii infection progression in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bioluminescent C. sakazakii strain for in vivo infection monitoring.
- To establish a novel approach for studying C. sakazakii pathogenesis in a living mouse model.
- To provide a tool for evaluating potential therapeutics against C. sakazakii infections.
Main Methods:
- Development of a bioluminescent Cronobacter sakazakii (ATCC 29544) strain.
- Utilizing bioluminescence imaging for real-time monitoring of infection in BALB/c mice.
- In vivo colonization analysis through imaging.
Main Results:
- The bioluminescent C. sakazakii strain enabled real-time monitoring of infection in BALB/c mice.
- C. sakazakii primarily colonized the brain, liver, spleen, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Bioluminescence imaging effectively indicated infection sites and progression.
Conclusions:
- A bioluminescent C. sakazakii strain offers a novel method for studying infection progression in vivo.
- This approach facilitates a better understanding of C. sakazakii pathogenesis.
- The developed model is valuable for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.
