Animal Models for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Studies

Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) systems play global regulatory roles in bacterial virulence. They synchronize the expression of multiple virulence factors and they control and modulate bacterial antibiotic tolerance systems and host defense mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to obtain knowledge about QS modes of action and to test putative therapeutics that may interrupt QS actions in the context of infections. This chapter describes methods to study bacterial pathogenesis in murine acute and persistent/relapsing infection models, using the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an example. These infection models can be used to probe bacterial virulence functions and in mechanistic studies, as well as for the assessment of the therapeutic potential of antibacterials, including anti-virulence agents.

Keywords: Abdominal burn infection; Antibiotic tolerance; Back burn infection; Lung infection; Open wound infection; Persistence; Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Fig. 1

Burn and infection model. Materials used in this model (a–c). Mice are shaved (d, e), depilated (f, g), given a full thickness skin burn injury (h–j), infected (k), and put back in their cages (l)

Fig. 2

Back burn and infection model. Mice are shaved (a), depilated (b, c), injected with saline (d), burned (e–h), infected (i), and put back in their cages (j)

Fig. 3

Lung infection model. After intranasal infection (a), place mice upright for a few minutes to facilitate drainage from the nostrils into the lower respiratory system (b), and then put them back in their cages (c)

Fig. 4

Open wound and infection model. Materials used in this model (a–c). Mice are shaved (d), depilated (e, f), wounded (g–i), infected (j), covered (k), and put back in their cages (l)