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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Infecting Mice with Malassezia spp. to Study the Fungus-Host Interaction
Published on: November 6, 2019
A rabbit model of ear otitis established using the Malassezia pachydermatis strain C23 from dogs
Nadezhda Sachivkina1,2, Arfenya Karamyan2, Olesya Petrukhina2
1Department of Microbiology V.S. Kiktenko, Institute of Medicine, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia.
Background And Aim:
Fungal infections are a growing problem for both humans and animals due to the emergence of pathogenic strains resistant to modern antifungal treatments. To evaluate the efficacy of new antifungal drugs, it is essential to develop animal models that demonstrate typical responses to both the infection (pathogenesis and clinical course) and to the treatment, including adverse effects. In this study, we established a rabbit otitis model by infection of an aggressive multidrug-resistant strain from dogs, Malassezia pachydermatis C23, with no need for concomitant immunosuppression.
Materials And Methods:
Twenty healthy adult male gray giant rabbits (1 year old, 5.5 kg) were inoculated once with M. pachydermatis C23 at 108 colony-forming units/mL. We observed the clinical signs of the disease and collected ear smears and blood samples every 5 days.
Results:
The infection progressed rapidly and exhibited characteristic clinical signs without spontaneous recovery for at least 1 month. In fact, substantial deterioration was observed as evidenced by blood parameters.
Conclusion:
This rabbit otitis model established using an aggressive drug-resistant fungus strain without immunosuppression could prove valuable for testing novel antifungal agents.
Insights
A new rabbit model for fungal otitis was developed using a drug-resistant strain. This model shows rapid infection progression and is suitable for testing new antifungal drugs without immunosuppression.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Development
Background:
- Antifungal drug resistance is a growing concern in human and animal health.
- Effective animal models are crucial for evaluating new antifungal treatments.
- Existing models may require immunosuppression, complicating efficacy studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel rabbit model of otitis externa.
- To utilize an aggressive, multidrug-resistant Malassezia pachydermatis strain.
- To assess the model's utility for antifungal drug testing without immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Twenty adult male gray giant rabbits were inoculated with M. pachydermatis C23.
- Clinical signs were monitored every five days.
- Ear swabs and blood samples were collected for analysis.
Main Results:
- The infection rapidly progressed, showing characteristic clinical signs.
- No spontaneous recovery was observed within one month.
- Deterioration was evidenced by changes in blood parameters.
Conclusions:
- A rabbit otitis model was successfully established using a resistant fungal strain.
- This model does not require immunosuppression, simplifying its use.
- The model is valuable for testing novel antifungal agents against resistant fungal infections.
