Host response to coagulase-negative staphylococci in abscesses induced within mice
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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1239.
Abstract:
A model whereby a known number of coagulase-negative staphylococci were packed into capillary tubes and implanted into the peritoneal cavity of mice proved to be a satisfactory method for generating abscesses that could be easily removed free of extraneous host tissue, and that permitted measurement of the survival of the organisms and accumulation of lipid in the lesion. Strains of S. epidermidis, S. schleiferi and S. lugdunensis, differing in their ability to produce fatty acid modifying enzyme (FAME) and lipase, were packed into either glass or plastic capillary tubes and used to generate abscesses. Abscesses produced by S. aureus served as comparators. Lipids accumulated within the abscesses caused by S. aureus in the same manner as previously described for the organism inoculated without tubes. Lipids also accumulated within abscesses produced by all the coagulase-negative staphylococci, but the rate of accumulation was slower and the lipid droplets were smaller than seen with S. aureus. The mobilisation of lipid did not differ in response to cocci in plastic or glass tubes. Strains of S. epidermidis and S. schleiferi producing FAME and lipase were better able to survive within abscesses than strains unable to produce these enzymes. However, FAME and lipase production did not appear to be the sole determinants of survival within abscesses. Regardless of whether they produced FAME and lipase, the two S. epidermidis strains were significantly better able to survive within plastic tubes than in glass tubes. No such difference was seen with S. aureus between plastic and glass tubes.
Insights
This study developed a mouse abscess model using coagulase-negative staphylococci in capillary tubes. Certain staphylococcal strains showed enhanced survival in plastic tubes, influenced by enzyme production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are opportunistic pathogens.
- Understanding CoNS survival mechanisms in host environments is crucial for infection control.
- Previous studies highlighted lipid accumulation in staphylococcal abscesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible mouse model for studying CoNS-induced abscesses.
- To investigate the role of fatty acid modifying enzyme (FAME) and lipase in CoNS survival within abscesses.
- To compare the influence of glass versus plastic capillary tubes on abscess formation and bacterial survival.
Main Methods:
- CoNS (S. epidermidis, S. schleiferi, S. lugdunensis) and S. aureus were packed into glass or plastic capillary tubes.
- Tubes were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of mice to induce abscesses.
- Bacterial survival and lipid accumulation within abscesses were measured.
- The production of FAME and lipase by different CoNS strains was assessed.
Main Results:
- A reproducible abscess model was established using capillary tubes for easy removal.
- Lipids accumulated in abscesses induced by both S. aureus and CoNS, but at different rates and droplet sizes.
- CoNS strains producing FAME and lipase demonstrated better survival within abscesses.
- S. epidermidis strains showed significantly better survival in plastic tubes compared to glass tubes, irrespective of enzyme production.
Conclusions:
- The capillary tube model is effective for studying staphylococcal abscesses and bacterial survival.
- FAME and lipase production contribute to CoNS survival, but are not the sole determinants.
- The material of the capillary tube (plastic vs. glass) significantly impacts S. epidermidis survival within abscesses, suggesting material-host-pathogen interactions are important.
