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Published on: August 8, 2014
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Polymicrobial oral conventionalization model in mice
Maria Imaculada de Queiroz Rodrigues1, Camila Carvalho de Oliveira Coelho1, Fabrício Bitu Sousa1
1Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, , Ceará, Brazil.
Summary
This study introduces an effective and reproducible method for oral conventionalization in mice. Specific pathogen-free mice successfully developed a stable oral microbiota resembling wild mice within 80 days.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Animal Models
- Oral Health
Background:
- Establishing a complex oral microbiota in laboratory animals is crucial for studying host-microbe interactions.
- Specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals lack a diverse native oral microbiome, limiting their utility in certain research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate a novel polymicrobial oral conventionalization protocol in mice.
- To assess the stability and composition of the established oral microbiota over time.
Main Methods:
- Oral biofilm samples were collected from wild C57 BL/6 mice.
- The collected microbiota was used to inoculate SPF mice three times.
- Qualitative cytological analyses were performed at days 0, 16, and 80 to monitor microbial changes.
Main Results:
- Conventionalized (CONV) mice exhibited a combined microbiota of SPF and wild-type origins.
- At day 16, CONV mice showed increased Gram-positive cocci and reduced Gram-negative cocci compared to wild mice.
- By day 80, CONV mice predominantly featured Gram-positive cocci and bacilli, with filamentous bacteria present, resembling wild-type microbiota.
Conclusions:
- The described oral conventionalization protocol is effective, low-cost, and reproducible.
- Conventionalized SPF mice successfully colonized with a stable oral microbiota similar to wild mice for up to 80 days.
