Protocol for aerosolization challenge of mice with Bordetella pertussis
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Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Graham Bitzer1, Kelly Weaver1, Mariette Barbier1
1Vaccine Development Center, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA.
Abstract:
Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough and is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Here, we present a protocol to challenge mice with Bordetella pertussis. We describe bacteria preparation and long-term storage, followed by manufacturing a challenge dose for use in a commercial exposure chamber with controlled nebulization of B. pertussis into aerosols. We then detail the aerosol challenge of mice through a more natural administration than intranasal instillation and post-challenge data collection. This protocol allows for better comparisons between preclinical pertussis studies.
Insights
This study introduces a new protocol for challenging mice with Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria causing whooping cough. This method uses aerosolized bacteria for a more natural infection model, improving preclinical study comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness.
- Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, necessitating effective preclinical models for studying the disease.
- Current methods for challenging animal models may not fully replicate natural infection routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized protocol for challenging mice with Bordetella pertussis via aerosol.
- To establish a more natural and reproducible method for preclinical pertussis research.
- To facilitate better comparisons across different preclinical studies of whooping cough.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and long-term storage of Bordetella pertussis cultures.
- Manufacturing of a challenge dose using controlled nebulization into aerosols.
- Aerosol challenge of mice within a commercial exposure chamber.
- Detailed post-challenge data collection procedures.
Main Results:
- The protocol enables reproducible aerosolization of Bordetella pertussis.
- Aerosol challenge provides a more natural route of infection compared to intranasal instillation.
- The standardized method allows for enhanced comparability of preclinical pertussis studies.
Conclusions:
- This protocol offers a refined approach for modeling Bordetella pertussis infection in mice.
- The use of aerosolized bacteria improves the relevance of preclinical studies.
- Standardization of this challenge method is expected to advance whooping cough research.
