Rabbit model of Staphylococcus aureus implant-associated spinal infection

• Main Authors: Oren Gordon (Author), Robert J. Miller (Author), John M. Thompson (Author), Alvaro A. Ordonez (Author), Mariah H. Klunk (Author), Dustin A. Dikeman (Author), Daniel P. Joyce (Author), Camilo A. Ruiz-Bedoya (Author), Lloyd S. Miller (Author), Sanjay K. Jain (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: The Company of Biologists, 2020-07-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Post-surgical implant-associated spinal infection is a devastating complication commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Biofilm formation is thought to reduce penetration of antibiotics and immune cells, contributing to chronic and difficult-to-treat infections. A rabbit model of a posterior-approach spinal surgery was created, in which bilateral titanium pedicle screws were interconnected by a plate at the level of lumbar vertebra L6 and inoculated with a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bioluminescent strain. In vivo whole-animal bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and ex vivo bacterial cultures demonstrated a peak in bacterial burden by day 14, when wound dehiscence occurred. Structures suggestive of biofilm, visualized by scanning electron microscopy, were evident up to 56 days following infection. Infection-induced inflammation and bone remodeling were also monitored using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). PET imaging signals were noted in the soft tissue and bone surrounding the implanted materials. CT imaging demonstrated marked bone remodeling and a decrease in dense bone at the infection sites. This rabbit model of implant-associated spinal infection provides a valuable preclinical in vivo approach to investigate the pathogenesis of implant-associated spinal infections and to evaluate novel therapeutics.

Item Description

1754-8403
1754-8411
10.1242/dmm.045385