Can 3D imaging provide insights into spatial variations in bacterial infection patterns?

Recently developed 3D noninvasive in vivo optical imaging is providing fresh insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of invasive bacteria in small animal experimental models. Here, we describe the advantages of 3D diffuse light imaging tomography with integrated micro-computed tomography (DLIT-μCT) over more traditional 2D systems, in particular with regard to precise localization of infectious foci within tissues in 3D space. We highlight data from rodent studies that employ experimental infections replicating the course of naturally occurring bacterial disease, such as invasive Escherichia coli infections that arise following colonization of the GI tract in neonatal rats. It is argued that this technology will find increasing utility in the study and diagnosis of infectious disease.