Natural History of Chronic Staphylococcus epidermidis Foreign Body Infection in a Mouse Model

Authors:
  • RGR. F. Gagnon
    R. F. Gagnon
  • RSR. Subang
    R. Subang
  • GRG. K. Richards
    G. K. Richards
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Abstract
The development and characterization of a mouse model of chronic Staphylococcus epidermidis foreign body infection was done with two clinical isolates that differed in degree ofextracellular slime production. Segments of Silastic catheters bearing preformed S. epidermidis biofilms were implanted intraperitoneally, and mice were assessed after 3 and 6 months. Both test strains of S. epidermidis persisted at the implant site through the 6-month follow-up in 80% ofthe mice, regardless of the degree of slime production. There was no evidence of overt animal morbidity, and microbiologic assessment of other peritoneal sites did not reveal dissemination of bacteria from the infected focus. In comparison with control mice, animals harboring chronic foreign body infection presented marked peripheral neutrophilia and mild anemia.