Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice
Published on: October 16, 2014
Live Imaging
George Chaconas1, Tara J Moriarty2, Jon Skare3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
Abstract:
Being able to vizualize a pathogen at a site of interaction with a host is an aesthetically appealing idea and the resulting images can be both informative as well as enjoyable to view. Moreover, the approaches used to derive these images can be powerful in terms of offering data unobtainable by other methods. In this article, we review three primary modalities for live imaging Borrelia spirochetes: whole animal imaging, intravital microscopy and live cell imaging. Each method has strengths and weaknesses, which we review, as well as specific purposes for which they are optimally utilized. Live imaging borriliae is a relatively recent development and there was a need of a review to cover the area. Here, in addition to the methods themselves, we also review areas of spirochete biology that have been significantly impacted by live imaging and present a collection of images associated with the forward motion in the field driven by imaging studies.
Insights
Live imaging techniques allow visualization of Borrelia spirochetes during host interactions. This review covers methods like whole animal imaging and intravital microscopy, highlighting their impact on spirochete biology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microscopy
Background:
- Visualizing pathogens during host interactions offers unique insights.
- Live imaging provides data unobtainable through other methods.
- Borrelia spirochetes are pathogens requiring advanced visualization techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review primary modalities for live imaging of Borrelia spirochetes.
- To discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and optimal uses of each imaging method.
- To highlight the impact of live imaging on understanding spirochete biology.
Main Methods:
- Whole animal imaging
- Intravital microscopy
- Live cell imaging
Main Results:
- Each method offers distinct advantages and limitations for Borrelia visualization.
- Live imaging has significantly advanced the study of spirochete biology.
- A collection of images showcasing advancements in the field is presented.
Conclusions:
- Live imaging is a powerful and relatively recent development in Borrelia research.
- The reviewed methods provide critical tools for studying pathogen-host interactions.
- Continued application of live imaging will further elucidate spirochete biology and pathogenesis.
