Use of an animal model system for assessing antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Animal model systems are clearly an important part of our continued study of a variety of infectious processes. The model described here has been used extensively to document the role of various microbiologic components in the disease process associated with intraabdominal sepsis, as well as the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents in treating infections in which both facultative and obligately anaerobic bacteria are present. This model system has proven to be a reliable indicator of potential therapeutic efficacy and, in certain cases, has helped to explain apparent discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo data. Obviously, such model systems cannot replace our traditional suceptibility-test systems on a patient-by-patient basis. However, information gained from models such as the one described here is an important addition to the data available regarding potential clinical efficacy.

In addition to the studies of antimicrobial efficacy, a major contribution of this animal model system has been the identification of the role of various microbial species in mixed infections and host response to the infectious process. It is hoped that continued use of animal model systems for the study of infectious processes will lead to a better understanding of the basic factors in the development of infections, and identification of ways in which such infections can be treated.