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Cutaneous infection in normal and immunocompromised mice.
Infection and Immunity
|June 1, 1986
Summary
A new mouse model for staphylococcal skin infections was developed using immunosuppression and wounding. This model effectively replicates abscess formation, aiding research into bacterial pathogenesis and anti-infective agents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lack of adequate animal models for staphylococcal skin infections hinders research.
- Virulent Staphylococcus species cause significant human skin infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reproducible and self-limiting animal model for staphylococcal skin infections.
- To mimic human staphylococcal skin disease for further study.
Main Methods:
- Adult male CF-1 mice were treated with cyclophosphamide (CY) to induce immunosuppression.
- Bacteria were inoculated onto wounded, occluded skin sites.
- Abscess formation and bacterial proliferation were monitored.
Main Results:
- A combination of 50 mg/kg CY and 10^5 CFU inoculum resulted in 89% abscess formation.
- Abscesses developed within 24-48 hours and persisted for 2-3 weeks.
- Wounding and immunosuppression were critical for abscess development; occlusion enhanced bacterial proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model effectively replicates staphylococcal skin abscesses.
- This model is suitable for evaluating topical anti-infective agents.
- It can also be used to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immune responses.