Bacterial renal infection in rats produced by direct injection of bacteria into renal tissue--an experimental model

A new method for producing an experimental model of renal infection in rats is described. It is based on a direct injection of a concentrated E. coli suspension either into both kidneys or only one of them. The method is simple and takes little time; the mortality of experimental animals is low. A focal acute purulent renal inflammation is elicited which tends to propagate towards the papilla. A significant renal infection persists at least over six weeks. The renal infection model is suitable for testing the antibacterial activities of drugs, as documented by the results of a therapeutical experiment with gentamicin and other agents.