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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
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Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: May 16, 2020
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Guide to the Larval Zebrafish-Aspergillus Infection Model
Taylor J Schoen1,2, Anna Huttenlocher1,3, Nancy P Keller1,4
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Current Protocols
|December 7, 2021
Summary
Larval zebrafish offer a powerful model for studying Aspergillosis, a fungal infection. This study details protocols for infecting zebrafish larvae with Aspergillus fumigatus and analyzing host responses for improved research.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Aquatic Animal Models
Background:
- Aspergillosis is a significant fungal infection.
- Larval zebrafish are a valuable model for studying host-pathogen interactions due to their accessibility and genetic resources.
- Investigating fungal virulence and host resistance requires standardized experimental protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed protocols for establishing a larval zebrafish model of Aspergillosis.
- To enable high-throughput investigation of Aspergillus fumigatus virulence factors.
- To facilitate the study of host resistance mechanisms against fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Aspergillus fumigatus spore inocula.
- Microinjection of zebrafish larvae hindbrain ventricle.
- Larval dechorionation and generation of transparent larvae using 1-phenyl 2-thiourea (PTU).
- Host survival analysis, immobilization for live imaging, and image analysis techniques.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for Aspergillus fumigatus infection in larval zebrafish.
- Demonstrated feasibility of survival analysis and live imaging of infected larvae.
- Provided a comprehensive guide for researchers utilizing this model.
Conclusions:
- The larval zebrafish model is well-suited for high-throughput studies of Aspergillosis.
- Standardized protocols enhance the reproducibility of fungal infection studies in zebrafish.
- This model system advances our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and host immunity.
