Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection
Published on: August 23, 2022
A Murine Model of Full-Thickness Scald Burn Injury with Subsequent Wound and Systemic Bacterial Infection
Antonio Hernandez1, Naeem K Patil1, Julia K Bohannon2,3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Infection is the leading cause of death and prolonged hospitalization in severely burned patients that survive the acute phase of injury. Here we describe a murine model of severe burn injury followed by subsequent postburn infection, both local and systemic, that leads to sepsis. A detailed description of the full-thickness scald burn procedure is provided, followed by description of infection with two common burn-associated nosocomial pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Insights
This study introduces a new mouse model for severe burn injuries and subsequent infections, which can lead to sepsis. This model helps researchers study burn-related infections and sepsis development.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Burn Medicine
- Sepsis Research
Background:
- Infection is a primary cause of mortality and extended hospitalization in severe burn patients.
- Developing effective treatments for post-burn infections and sepsis remains a critical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible murine model for severe burn injury.
- To simulate local and systemic post-burn infections leading to sepsis.
- To provide a foundation for studying burn-associated infections and sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Detailed description of a full-thickness scald burn procedure in mice.
- Infection protocols using common nosocomial pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Establishment of both local and systemic infection models.
Main Results:
- Successfully created a murine model of severe burn injury.
- Demonstrated the development of local and systemic infections post-burn.
- Indicated the progression of infection to sepsis within the model.
- Validated the use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as infectious agents.
Conclusions:
- The developed murine model accurately replicates severe burn injury complications, including infection and sepsis.
- This model serves as a valuable tool for investigating the pathophysiology of burn-associated infections.
- Facilitates the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies against burn-related sepsis.
