title: Value of an inhalational model of invasive aspergillosis.
abstract: Animal models of invasive aspergillosis have been used for virulence studies and antifungal efficacy evaluations but results have been inconsistent. In an attempt to reproduce human infection, many Aspergillus animal models have utilized a 'pulmonary route' for delivery of conidia, largely through intranasal instillation. However, several radiolabeled particle studies have shown that aerosol delivery is preferable to intranasal instillation to create a more homogenous delivery to the lungs. We hypothesized that an inhalational model would be more robust for studies of invasive aspergillosis pathogenesis and antifungal therapy. We developed an inhalational model of Aspergillus fumigatus infection using a Hinners inhalation chamber and demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction that this new inhalational model creates a more homogenous murine pneumonia, facilitating analysis of mutant strains and treatment regimens.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Box 3499, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. stein022@mc.duke.edu
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Steinbach
authors.forename: Daniel K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Benjamin
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Trasi
authors.forename: Jackie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Wiley A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Schell
authors.forename: Aimee K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Zaas
authors.forename: W Michael
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Perfect
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000818:Animals; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice