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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
A Periprosthetic Joint Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Chen Yang1, Jiaxue Zhang1, Fei Mo2
1School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University.
Abstract:
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the common infections caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), which increasingly concerns surgeons and scientists. Generally, biofilms that can shield C. albicans from antibiotics and immune clearance are formed at the infection site. Surgery involving the removal of the infected implant, debridement, antimicrobial treatment, and reimplantation is the gold standard for the treatment of PJI. Thus, establishing animal PJI models is of great significance for the research and development of new drugs or therapeutics for PJI. In this study, a smooth nickel-titanium alloy wire, a widely used implant in orthopedic clinics, was inserted into the femoral joint of a C57BL/6 mouse before the C. albicans were inoculated into the articular cavity along the wire. After 14 days, mature and thick biofilms were observed on the surface of implants under a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). A significantly reduced bone trabecula was found in the H&E staining of the infected joint specimens. To sum up, a mouse PJI model with the advantages of easy operation, high successful rate, high repeatability, and high clinical correlation was established. This is expected to be an important model for clinical studies of C. albicans biofilm-related PJI prevention.
Insights
Researchers developed a new mouse model for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Candida albicans. This model effectively simulates C. albicans biofilms on implants, aiding PJI research and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant complication following orthopedic surgery.
- Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a common pathogen causing PJI, often forming biofilms that resist treatment.
- Current treatment for PJI involves complex surgical procedures and antimicrobial therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable and clinically relevant mouse model for studying Candida albicans-related PJI.
- To investigate biofilm formation on orthopedic implants in an in vivo PJI model.
- To provide a platform for evaluating new therapeutic strategies against C. albicans PJI.
Main Methods:
- A smooth nickel-titanium alloy wire, a common orthopedic implant, was used in a mouse femoral joint model.
- Candida albicans was inoculated into the articular cavity along the implanted wire.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize biofilms on implants.
- Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining assessed bone damage.
Main Results:
- Mature and thick Candida albicans biofilms were observed on the implant surface after 14 days.
- Significant reduction in bone trabecula was detected in infected joint specimens.
- The established model demonstrated high success rates, repeatability, and clinical relevance.
Conclusions:
- A novel, easily operated, and highly reproducible mouse model for Candida albicans PJI was successfully established.
- This model effectively mimics key features of human PJI, including biofilm formation and bone degradation.
- The model is suitable for preclinical studies on the prevention and treatment of C. albicans biofilm-related PJI.
