Work

Protocol for a murine skin abscess model to study bacterial infection dynamics, microbial interactions, and treatment efficacy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present a murine skin abscess model to study pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions, infection progression, and therapeutic interventions. We outline steps for real-time monitoring of bacterial infection dynamics and host responses using bioluminescent or fluorescently labeled bacteria using IVIS ( in vivo imaging system). We provide details to isolate bacterial and host RNA/DNA from infected tissues, enabling downstream transcriptomic and molecular analyses. This model offers a robust platform to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immunity and evaluate antimicrobial or innovative treatment strategies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pletzer et al. 1 • Procedures for establishing chronic subcutaneous abscesses using WHO-priority pathogens • Steps for infecting mice with pathogens and harvesting abscess tissue • Instructions for in vivo live imaging of infection • Guidance on administering antibiotics intra-abscessly and quantifying treatment effects Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. We present a murine skin abscess model to study pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions, infection progression, and therapeutic interventions. We outline steps for real-time monitoring of bacterial infection dynamics and host responses using bioluminescent or fluorescently labeled bacteria using IVIS ( in vivo imaging system). We provide details to isolate bacterial and host RNA/DNA from infected tissues, enabling downstream transcriptomic and molecular analyses. This model offers a robust platform to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immunity and evaluate antimicrobial or innovative treatment strategies.

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104291

Authors: Anupriya Gupta, Kathleen J. Sircombe, Janaya D. Stevenson, Samuel J.T. Wardell, Daniel Pletzer

Institution: University of Otago

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550