Generation of a central nervous system catheter-associated infection in mice with Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Animal models are valuable tools for investigating the in vivo pathogenesis of Staphylococcus epidermidis infections. Here, we present the procedure for generating a central nervous system catheter-associated infection in a mouse, to model the central nervous system shunt infections that frequently complicate the treatment of hydrocephalus in humans. This model uses stereotactic guidance to place silicone catheters, pre-coated with S. epidermidis, into the lateral ventricles of mice. This results in a catheter-associated infection in the brain, with concomitant illness and inflammation. This animal model is a valuable tool for evaluating the pathogenesis of bacterial infection in the central nervous system, the immune response to these infections and potential treatment options.
Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Jessica N
JN
Snowden
D000818:Animals; D018441:Biofilms; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000382:microbiology; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000628:therapy; D020547:Lateral Ventricles / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000502:physiology*