Best Practices in the Development and Use of Experimental Models of Bacterial Pneumonia: An Official American
Abstract:
The global incidence of respiratory infectious diseases caused by bacteria continues to increase, with acute lower respiratory tract infections contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Preclinical models designed to investigate such respiratory bacterial diseases are of utmost importance to decipher their pathogenesis and develop novel targets for intervention and treatment. Animal models offer the powerful ability to investigate different pneumonia types at varying stages of infection and disease. However, the same models can promote important variations in outcome, potentially confounding scientific understanding in the field. Therefore, an expert panel was convened to deliberate best practices in animal models of bacterial pneumonia to identify validated methodologies and acknowledge limitations in the use of animal and non-animal models in this field of study. Herein, we summarize this American Thoracic Society workshop on animal models of bacterial pneumonia. This workshop further includes review of non-animal complementary or alternative models for studying bacterial pneumonia. Emphasis was placed on discussion of bacterial pathogens that frequently cause community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, highlighting key aspects in modeling infection. Animal models discussed included small and large animals, based on their strengths. Finally and most importantly, the ethical considerations in the use of animal modeling for the study of bacterial lung infections was discussed. This workshop report is intended to provide insights to investigators in the field and may serve as a starting point for formal recommendations in the future.
Insights
Expert insights on animal models for bacterial pneumonia were discussed to improve research into respiratory infections. This review highlights best practices and limitations for developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Translational Research
Background:
- Bacterial respiratory infections, particularly pneumonia, cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Preclinical models are crucial for understanding pathogenesis and developing interventions for bacterial pneumonia.
- Variability in animal models can complicate scientific interpretation and hinder progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize an expert panel's deliberations on best practices for animal models of bacterial pneumonia.
- To identify validated methodologies and acknowledge limitations in current animal and non-animal models.
- To inform investigators and potentially guide future recommendations for bacterial pneumonia research.
Main Methods:
- Review of an American Thoracic Society workshop focused on animal models of bacterial pneumonia.
- Discussion of bacterial pathogens causing community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
- Consideration of both small and large animal models, alongside non-animal alternatives.
Main Results:
- Key aspects of modeling bacterial lung infections were highlighted.
- Strengths and limitations of various animal models were assessed.
- Ethical considerations in animal modeling for bacterial lung infections were addressed.
Conclusions:
- Standardized best practices are needed for animal models of bacterial pneumonia.
- Non-animal models offer complementary approaches to studying bacterial pneumonia.
- Further development and validation of models are essential for advancing treatment strategies.
