Animal Infection Models Flashcards
What are the benefits of using Nematodes such as C. elegans?
They are ubiquitous in the soil, especially near rotting vegetation. They are 1mm in length and transparent for easy manipulation and observation. They can be cheaply housed and cultivated in large numbers.
What are some human pathogens that infect C. elegans?
Gram negative bacteria of the genera: Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Yersinia.
Gram positive bacteria of the genera: Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Fungus: Cryptococcus neoformans.
What are the disadvantages of using C. elegans?
Immune system considerably different from complex mammalian systems; they lack a complement system and macrophage like cells,
Genetically different from humans,
Does not survive well at the human body temperature of 37 degrees.
What are the benefits of using Wax Moth Larvae?
They survive well at 37 degrees.
It is a useful model for Candida albicans.
Also an alternative model for studying Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection.
What are the benefits of using Zebrafish models?
Zebrafish possess a well developed immune system, with functional innate and adaptive systems that are similar to mammalian systems. Zebrafish embryos are transparent allowing for easy observation. M. Marinum causes fish TB and is a very close relative of M. Tuberculosis, making this fish a useful model.
What are the benefits of using mouse models?
Mouse and human genes possess similar functions allowing for study and understanding if them to be extrapolated to humans. They offer the broadest variety of backgrounds with there being immunocompromised strains of mouse to specific knockout strains.
What is the benefit of using simple multicellular organisms?
They are more ethical to use,
Easy to cultivate in large numbers,
Cheap,
Less complex than mammals.
