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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model
Published on: May 31, 2010
A defined microbiota mouse model for Salmonella Paratyphi A oral infection
Caleb Skow1,2, Logan C Ott1,2, Michael J Wannemuehler1,3
1Interdepartmental Graduate Microbiology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.
Introduction:
Salmonella Paratyphi A (SPtA) is an emerging pathogen that primarily infects humans and causes enteric fever, yet it has not received sufficient research attention. To facilitate further investigation, an appropriate animal model is necessary for testing SPtA infection.
Methods:
In this study, we utilized gnotobiotic mice harboring the altered Schaedler flora (ASF) from either C3H/HeN or 129S6/SvEv genetic backgrounds. These mice, subjected to various inflammatory conditions, were orally challenged with SPtA. The colonization and persistence of the pathogen were assessed in both intestinal and extraintestinal tissues, while also examining changes in gut microbiota, the expression of tight junction proteins, cytokines, and histopathological changes.
Results:
Our findings revealed that both the inflammatory state and the sex of the ASF mice significantly affected the colonization of SPtA. Notably, infection of the 129S6/SvEv IL10-/- mice with SPtA replicated key features observed in humans. This included the extraintestinal dissemination of SPtA, the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and progressively worsening pathological changes over time following infection in IL10-/- ASF mice.
Conclusion:
The results of this study suggest that ASF mice represent a suitable low-cost model for investigating the pathogenesis of SPtA infection. The presence of ASF creates an open niche for SPtA colonization, allowing for the retention of a defined microbiome. This enables researchers to study perturbations in the microbiome without the limitations inherent to an antibiotic-treated model alternative. Furthermore, the chronic inflammatory conditions associated with IL10-/- phenotype enable SPtA extraintestinal invasion and disease progress in the murine host, facilitating a functional model of SPtA pathogenesis.
Insights
This study introduces a new mouse model using altered Schaedler flora (ASF) mice to study Salmonella Paratyphi A (SPtA) infection. The model effectively replicates human enteric fever symptoms, aiding research into this emerging pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis Research
Background:
- Salmonella Paratyphi A (SPtA) is an emerging human pathogen causing enteric fever.
- Limited research exists due to the lack of suitable animal models for SPtA infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a cost-effective animal model for studying SPtA pathogenesis.
- To investigate SPtA colonization, persistence, and host responses in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gnotobiotic mice with altered Schaedler flora (ASF) on different genetic backgrounds.
- Challenged mice with SPtA orally and assessed pathogen colonization in tissues.
- Analyzed gut microbiota, cytokine expression, tight junction proteins, and histopathology.
Main Results:
- ASF mouse model demonstrated that inflammatory state and sex influenced SPtA colonization.
- 129S6/SvEv IL10-/- ASF mice infected with SPtA showed extraintestinal dissemination, cytokine inhibition, and progressive pathology, mirroring human disease.
- The ASF model allowed for studying SPtA in a defined microbiome without antibiotic treatment limitations.
Conclusions:
- ASF mice provide a suitable, low-cost model for SPtA infection research.
- The IL10-/- ASF mouse model facilitates the study of SPtA extraintestinal invasion and disease progression.
- This model aids in understanding SPtA pathogenesis and microbiome interactions.
