Related Experiment Videos
Reproducible method for induction of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in mice
Abstract:
Intranasal instillation of an inoculum has been suggested as a method for establishment of experimental pulmonary infections. Because we encountered untoward variation in rates and times of death with use of this method for inducing coccidioidomycosis in mice, a simple method for direct intratracheal infection was devised. With doses of 50 or 100 arthrospores of Coccidioides immitis, mortality rates were 80%-90% from 14 to 25 days after infection by the intratracheal route and 20%-60% from 12 to 24 days after infection by the intranasal route. The procedure for intratracheal infection caused only slight morbidity, and the method resulted in consistent rates of disease.
Insights
Direct intratracheal infection in mice provides a more consistent method for establishing experimental pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. This improved technique offers higher mortality rates and reduced variability compared to intranasal instillation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Intranasal instillation is a common method for inducing experimental pulmonary infections.
- This method has shown significant variability in mortality rates and timing for coccidioidomycosis models.
- This variability complicates the study of disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a more reliable and consistent method for establishing experimental pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in mice.
- To compare the efficacy of direct intratracheal infection versus intranasal instillation for inducing disease.
- To reduce variability in mortality rates and disease onset in a mouse model of coccidioidomycosis.
Main Methods:
- A novel direct intratracheal infection technique was developed for mice.
- Coccidioides immitis arthrospores were administered via both intratracheal and intranasal routes.
- Mortality rates and time to death were recorded for each infection group.
Main Results:
- Intratracheal infection with 50 or 100 arthrospores resulted in 80%-90% mortality between 14-25 days post-infection.
- Intranasal infection yielded lower mortality rates (20%-60%) within a similar timeframe (12-24 days).
- The intratracheal procedure demonstrated minimal morbidity and consistent disease induction.
Conclusions:
- Direct intratracheal instillation is a superior method for inducing experimental pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in mice.
- This technique offers enhanced consistency and higher mortality rates compared to intranasal instillation.
- The developed method provides a more robust model for studying Coccidioides immitis infections.