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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Use of the Invertebrate Galleria mellonella as an Infection Model to Study the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex
Published on: June 30, 2019
Animal Models of Mycobacteria Infection
Edward D Chan1, Deepshikha Verma2, Diane J Ordway2
1Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Departments of Medicine and Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado.
Abstract:
This manuscript describes the infection of mice and guinea pigs with mycobacteria via various routes, as well as necropsy methods for the determination of mycobacterial loads within target organs. Additionally, methods for cultivating mycobacteria and preparing stocks are described. The protocols outlined are primarily used for M. tuberculosis, but can also be used for the study of other non-tuberculosis mycobacterial species. A wide variety of animal models have been used to test new vaccines, drugs, and the impact of cigarette exposure. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Aerosol infection of mice with mycobacteria Basic Protocol 2: Aerosol infection of guinea pig with mycobacteria using a Madison chamber Alternate Protocol 1: Cigarette exposure prior to infection of mice with mycobacteria Alternate Protocol 2: Intravenous infection of mice with mycobacteria Basic Protocol 3: Necropsy methods for animals experimentally infected with mycobacteria Basic Protocol 4: Following the course of infection Basic Protocol 5: Measuring the animal immune response to infection Support Protocol: Cultivation of mycobacteria for use in animal experiments.
