Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Protocol for aerosolization challenge of mice with Bordetella pertussis
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.
