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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Mouse Model to Assess Innate Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Published on: February 28, 2019
[Staphylococcal necrotic suppurative encephalomeningitis in mice as a chemotherapeutic model]
Abstract:
Staphylococcal infection caused by intracerebral inoculation with a highly virulent strain of Staph.aureus was studied on 1410 albino mice. The inoculation doses ranged within 1,5 . 10(6)--1 . 10(9) microbial cells. It was found that the infection was characterized by the development of generalized necrotic purulent encephalomeningitis. Extensive necrotic areas in the brain tissue and formation of abscesses were the main features of the process. Purulent affection of the encephali mater was of a focal or diffuse nature. Osteomyelitic foci in the ossa cranii at the inoculation site were detected in 50 per cent of the animals. Generalization of the infection after intracerebral inoculation of the mice with Staph.aureus was confirmed by isolation of the staphylococci from the blood and internal organs of the animals at early stages of the infection, i.e. in 5-10 minutes and by development of purulent metastatic foci in the myocardium, kidneys and lung tissue. The chemotherapeutic effect of dioxidine (1,4-di-N-oxide 2,3-dioxy-methylquinoxaline) administered orally or subcutaneously in a single dose of 200-400 mg/kg 30 minutes after inoculation was shown on the chemotherapeutic model which is thus recommended for chemotherapeutic investigations.
Insights
This study details Staph. aureus brain infections in mice, revealing widespread tissue damage and abscesses. Dioxidine showed promise as a treatment in this Staphylococcal infection model.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen causing severe infections.
- Intracerebral inoculation provides a model for studying central nervous system infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pathological effects of Staphylococcus aureus intracerebral inoculation in mice.
- To evaluate the chemotherapeutic efficacy of dioxidine in a Staphylococcal meningitis model.
Main Methods:
- Albino mice were intracerebrally inoculated with varying doses of a virulent Staphylococcus aureus strain.
- Pathological examination focused on brain tissue, meninges, and systemic organs.
- Chemotherapeutic efficacy of dioxidine was assessed following subcutaneous or oral administration.
Main Results:
- Infection led to generalized necrotic purulent encephalomeningitis with extensive brain necrosis and abscess formation.
- Osteomyelitic foci in cranial bones occurred in 50% of animals.
- Early systemic spread of Staphylococcus aureus to blood and organs was observed, with metastatic foci in myocardium, kidneys, and lungs.
Conclusions:
- Intracerebral Staphylococcus aureus inoculation in mice effectively models severe, generalized infections.
- Dioxidine demonstrated chemotherapeutic potential against Staphylococcal encephalomeningitis.
- This model is suitable for further chemotherapeutic investigations of Staphylococcal infections.
