title: Experimental model of Fusarium solani keratitis in rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish a repeatable rat model of Fusarium solani keratitis (F. solani keratitis) that mimicked fungal keratitis in humans.
  
  
  METHODS
  Wistar rats' corneas were scratched on the superficial stroma after scraping the unilateral corneal epithelia. Then, the corneal surface was inoculated with different inoculum dose of F. solani spore suspension. Doses ranged from 10(6) to 10(9) colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL). The treated corneas were covered by contact lenses that were made of Parafilm M membrane. Negative controls were inoculated with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For statistical analysis, corneas were evaluated daily on a 12-point scale to check the state of corneal inflammation. Furthermore, the pathological characteristics of this model were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rat model of F. solani keratitis was established by the combination methods of corneal trauma and parafilm-made contact lens and inoculation of fungus spore suspension. 10(6) and 10(7)CFU/mL of F. solani induced mild corneal infection, while 10(8)CFU/mL of F. solani was sufficient to induce moderate infection that was consistent with human keratomycosis. Dose of 10(9)CFU/mL of F. solani was excessive and led to perforated corneas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rat model of F. solani keratitis, established by the combinational methods of corneal trauma, parafilm-made contact lens and the appropriate dose of inoculum, that imitates the developing processes of F. solani keratitis in human beings and provides a repeatable method of creating a rat model.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai 10 People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China.
authors.forename: Jiang-Li
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Xin-Rui
authors.initials: XR
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Hong-Ping
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Li-Li
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liao