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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
The Insect Galleria mellonella as a Powerful Infection Model to Investigate Bacterial Pathogenesis
Published on: December 11, 2012
Galleria mellonella as a host model to study Aspergillus terreus virulence and amphotericin B resistance
Elisabeth Maurer1, Niall Browne2, Carla Surlis2
1a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology; Medical University of Innsbruck ; Innsbruck , Austria.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate if the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella can be used (i) to determine differences in pathogenicity of amphotericin B (AMB) resistant and susceptible A. terreus isolates, (ii) to evaluate AMB efficacy in vivo (iii) and to correlate outcome to in vitro susceptibility data. Larvae were infected with 2 A. terreus AMB resistant (ATR) and 3 AMB susceptible (ATS) isolates and survival rates were correlated to physiological attributes and killing ability of larval haemocytes. Additionally, infected larvae were treated with different concentrations of L-AMB. Haemocyte density were ascertained to evaluate the influence of L-AMB on the larval immune cells. Larvae were sensitive to A. terreus infection in an inoculum-size and temperature dependent manner. In vitro susceptibility to L-AMB correlated with in vivo outcome of antifungal treatment, defining an AMB susceptible strain cluster of A. terreus. Susceptibility to L-AMB increased virulence potential in the larval model, but this increase was also in accordance with faster growth and less damage caused by larval haemocytes. L-AMB treatment primed the larval immune response by increasing haemocyte density. G. mellonella provides a convenient model for the in vivo screening of A. terreus virulence and treatment options, contributing to the generation of a hypothesis that can be further tested in refined experiments in mammalian models.
Insights
The insect model Galleria mellonella effectively distinguishes the pathogenicity of amphotericin B (AMB)-resistant and susceptible Aspergillus terreus. This model also predicts AMB treatment efficacy and correlates with in vitro data.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Amphotericin B (AMB) is a critical antifungal, but resistance in Aspergillus terreus complicates treatment.
- In vitro susceptibility testing does not always predict in vivo outcomes.
- Alternative in vivo models are needed to assess fungal virulence and drug efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Galleria mellonella as a model for determining pathogenicity differences between AMB-resistant and susceptible Aspergillus terreus.
- To assess the in vivo efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) against Aspergillus terreus.
- To correlate in vivo results with in vitro antifungal susceptibility data.
Main Methods:
- Larvae were infected with AMB-resistant (ATR) and AMB-susceptible (ATS) Aspergillus terreus isolates.
- Larval survival rates were analyzed and correlated with fungal pathogenicity factors.
- Infected larvae were treated with varying concentrations of L-AMB, and haemocyte density was measured.
Main Results:
- Galleria mellonella survival was dependent on inoculum size and temperature.
- In vitro L-AMB susceptibility correlated with in vivo treatment outcomes, identifying an ATS cluster.
- L-AMB treatment enhanced the larval immune response by increasing haemocyte density.
Conclusions:
- Galleria mellonella serves as a valuable and convenient model for in vivo screening of Aspergillus terreus virulence and antifungal treatment strategies.
- The findings support the use of this model to generate hypotheses for further testing in mammalian systems.
- This study highlights the potential of G. mellonella to predict antifungal drug efficacy and guide treatment decisions.
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