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An experimental model to reproduce some bacterial intestinal cocultures in germ-free mice
M R Gismondo1, L Drago, A Lombardi
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to create a stable experimental model to act as a living incubator for the main important intestinal bacteria. We have therefore inoculated germ-free mice with the most important bacteria of the human intestinal microflora, in order to study the effect of some oral antibiotics on the intestinal microflora. Sixty germ-free mice, 7 weeks old and of either sex, were inoculated orally with human faecal bacteria by means of their drinking water. Administrations were made at regular intervals following a scheme that respected some of the metabolic inter-relationships of the microorganisms used. The results showed that colonization of the germ-free mouse intestines had been achieved by most of the bacteria that had been inoculated. This "coculture" was stable in time, contrary to what happens when in-toto lyophilized faeces are administered, and the bacterial concentrations for each strains were similar to those found in human faeces.
Insights
Researchers developed a stable mouse model for studying human intestinal bacteria. This living incubator successfully colonized germ-free mice, mimicking human gut microflora composition and stability for future antibiotic research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Models
Background:
- The human intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in health and disease.
- Developing stable experimental models is essential for studying complex microbial ecosystems.
- Previous methods for colonizing germ-free animals have shown limitations in stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable and stable experimental model for the human intestinal microflora.
- To create a living incubator for key intestinal bacteria in germ-free mice.
- To prepare a model for investigating the effects of oral antibiotics on the intestinal microflora.
Main Methods:
- Germ-free mice were orally inoculated with human fecal bacteria via drinking water.
- Inoculations were administered at regular intervals, respecting microbial metabolic inter-relationships.
- A total of sixty 7-week-old mice of either sex were used in the study.
Main Results:
- Successful colonization of the germ-free mouse intestines was achieved with most inoculated bacteria.
- The established bacterial coculture demonstrated stability over time.
- Bacterial concentrations in the mice closely resembled those found in human feces.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a stable in vivo system for housing human intestinal bacteria.
- This living incubator model is superior to methods using in-toto lyophilized feces for stability.
- The model holds significant potential for future research on the intestinal microflora and antibiotic effects.