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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation
Published on: March 2, 2016
Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae Infection of the Junbo Mouse
Michael T Cheeseman1, Derek W Hood2
1Developmental Biology Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Acute otitis media, inflammation of the middle ear bulla, is the most common bacterial infection in children. For one of the principal otopathogens, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), animal models allow us to investigate host-microbial interactions relevant to the onset and progression of infection and to study treatment of middle ear disease. We have established a robust model of NTHi middle ear infection in the Junbo mouse. Intranasal inoculation with NTHi produces high rates of bulla infection and high bacterial titers in bulla fluids; bacteria can also spread down the respiratory tract to the mouse lung. An innate immune response is detected in the bulla of Junbo mice following NTHi infection, and bacteria are maintained in some ears at least up to day 56 post-inoculation. The Junbo/NTHi infection model facilitates studies on bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial intervention regimens and vaccines for better treatment and prevention of NTHi middle ear infection. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Insights
A new Junbo mouse model effectively replicates non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) middle ear infections in children. This model aids research into NTHi pathogenesis, immune response, and the development of new treatments and vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood bacterial infection.
- Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a primary pathogen in AOM.
- Effective animal models are crucial for studying NTHi infection and developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a robust Junbo mouse model for NTHi-induced middle ear infections.
- To investigate host-microbial interactions during NTHi otitis media.
- To provide a platform for evaluating antimicrobial treatments and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of Junbo mice with NTHi.
- Monitoring of infection rates, bacterial titers in bulla fluid, and extrapulmonary spread.
- Assessment of innate immune responses in the middle ear bulla.
Main Results:
- High rates of bulla infection and bacterial titers were achieved.
- NTHi spread to the respiratory tract (lung) was observed.
- An innate immune response was detected in infected bullae.
- Persistent NTHi infection was noted up to 56 days post-inoculation.
Conclusions:
- The Junbo/NTHi mouse model is a valuable tool for studying NTHi pathogenesis.
- This model supports research into antimicrobial interventions and vaccine development for NTHi otitis media.
- The model facilitates a deeper understanding of host-pathogen dynamics in middle ear infections.
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