Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
A Double Humanized BLT-mice Model Featuring a Stable Human-Like Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
Published on: August 30, 2019
Antibiotic-treated versus germ-free rodents for microbiota transplantation studies
Randi Lundberg1,2, Martin F Toft2, Benjamin August2
1a Section of Experimental Animal Models , Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Frederiksberg C , Denmark.
Abstract:
We recently investigated the applicability of antibiotic-treated recipient mice for transfer of different gut microbiota profiles. With this addendum we elaborate on perspectives and limitations of using antibiotics as an alternative to germ-free (GF) technology in microbial transplantation studies, and we speculate on the housing effect. It is possible to transfer host phenotypes via fecal transplantation to antibiotic-treated animals, but problems with reproducibility, baseline values, and antibiotic resistance genes should be considered. GF animals maintained in isolators still seem to be the best controlled models for long-term microbial transplantation, but antibiotic-treated recipients are also commonly utilized. We identify a need for systematic experiments investigating the stability of microbial transplantations by addressing 1) the recipient status as either GF, antibiotic-treated or specific pathogen free and 2) different levels of protected housing systems. In addition, the developmental effect of microbes on host physiological functions should be evaluated in the different scenarios.
Insights
Antibiotic-treated mice can receive gut microbiota transplants, but reproducibility and antibiotic resistance genes pose challenges. Germ-free models remain superior for controlled, long-term microbial transplantation studies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Microbial transplantation is crucial for studying gut microbiota roles.
- Germ-free (GF) models are standard but resource-intensive.
- Antibiotic-treated recipients offer an alternative but have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate antibiotic-treated mice as recipients for gut microbiota transplantation.
- To compare antibiotic-treated recipients with germ-free models.
- To explore housing effects on microbial transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation into antibiotic-treated recipient mice.
- Comparison with germ-free mouse models.
- Speculation on housing system effects.
Main Results:
- Host phenotypes can be transferred to antibiotic-treated recipients.
- Challenges include reproducibility, baseline variability, and antibiotic resistance genes.
- Germ-free models offer better control for long-term studies.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic-treated recipients are a viable, though imperfect, alternative to GF models.
- Further research is needed on recipient status and housing systems for transplantation stability.
- Evaluating microbial developmental effects on host physiology is essential.
