Establishing a Porcine Ex Vivo Cornea Model for Studying Drug Treatments against Bacterial Keratitis

作者： Katarzyna Okurowska1,2, Sanhita Roy3, Praveen Thokala4, Lynda Partridge1,5, Prashant Garg3, Sheila MacNeil1,6, Peter N. Monk1,7, Esther Karunakaran1,2 1Sheffield Collaboratorium for Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilms (SCARAB),University of Sheffield, 2Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,University of Sheffield, 3Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation,L V Prasad Eye Institute, 4Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research,University of Sheffield, 5Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,University of Sheffield, 6Department of Materials Science and Engineering,University of Sheffield, 7Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease,University of Sheffield

简介：

Overview

This article presents a protocol for establishing an ex vivo porcine model of bacterial keratitis using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This model effectively simulates in vivo infection, allowing for the assessment of bacterial proliferation and corneal tissue damage.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology

Background

• Bacterial keratitis is a serious eye infection.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen associated with this condition.
• Ex vivo models are essential for studying infections and testing treatments.
• This model provides a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions.

Purpose of Study

• To develop a reliable ex vivo model for studying bacterial keratitis.
• To evaluate antimicrobial efficacy in a controlled environment.
• To facilitate research on novel antimicrobials.

Methods Used

• Use of sterile forceps for transferring eyeballs.
• Removal of conjunctiva and muscle tissue with a scalpel.
• Transfer of prepared eyeballs to sterile PBS solution.
• Subsequent treatment with povidone iodine in PBS.

Main Results

• The model successfully mimics bacterial keratitis.
• Demonstrated the ability to assess antimicrobial treatments effectively.
• Validated the use of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other organisms.
• Provided a framework for future research in ocular infections.

Conclusions

• The ex vivo porcine model is a valuable tool for studying bacterial keratitis.
• It allows for accurate testing of antimicrobial efficacy.
• This model can be adapted for various pathogens beyond Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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