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2023 International Consensus Meeting on musculoskeletal infection: Summary from the treatment workgroup and consensus
Jessica Amber Jennings1, Jacobus J Arts2,3, Ezzuddin Abuhussein1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Abstract:
In vitro and in vivo studies are critical for the preclinical efficacy assessment of novel therapies targeting musculoskeletal infections (MSKI). Many preclinical models have been developed and applied as a prelude to evaluating safety and efficacy in human clinical trials. In performing these studies, there is both a requirement for a robust assessment of efficacy, as well as a parallel responsibility to consider the burden on experimental animals used in such studies. Since MSKI is a broad term encompassing infections varying in pathogen, anatomical location, and implants used, there are also a wide range of animal models described modeling these disparate infections. Although some of these variations are required to adequately evaluate specific interventions, there would be enormous value in creating a unified and standardized criteria to animal testing in the treatment of MSKI. The Treatment Workgroup of the 2023 International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection was responsible for questions related to preclinical models for treatment of MSKI. The main objective was to review the literature related to priority questions and estimate consensus opinion after voting. This document presents that process and results for preclinical models related to (1) animal model considerations, (2) outcome measurements, and (3) imaging.
Insights
Standardizing preclinical animal models for musculoskeletal infections (MSKI) is crucial. This study reviews current models and proposes unified criteria for efficacy assessment and animal welfare in MSKI research.
Area of Science:
- Preclinical research
- Infectious disease modeling
- Animal studies
Background:
- Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies are essential for evaluating novel therapies for musculoskeletal infections (MSKI).
- A wide variety of animal models exist for MSKI, reflecting the diversity of pathogens, anatomical sites, and implants involved.
- Current preclinical models vary significantly, necessitating standardized criteria for robust efficacy assessment and ethical animal use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on preclinical models for MSKI treatment.
- To establish consensus on standardized criteria for animal model considerations, outcome measurements, and imaging in MSKI research.
- To provide a unified framework for preclinical MSKI studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing preclinical MSKI models.
- Consensus voting by the Treatment Workgroup of the 2023 International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection.
- Analysis of priority questions related to animal models, outcome measurements, and imaging.
Main Results:
- Identification of key considerations for animal models in MSKI research.
- Defined essential outcome measurements for assessing treatment efficacy.
- Recommendations for standardized imaging techniques in preclinical MSKI studies.
- Proposed unified criteria for preclinical MSKI model development and evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of preclinical animal models is vital for advancing MSKI therapies.
- Unified criteria will enhance the reliability and translatability of preclinical findings.
- This work provides a foundation for consistent and ethical preclinical research in MSKI.
