Animal models in mycology: What have we learned over the past 30 years

William R. Kirkpatrick, Nathan P. Wiederhold, Laura K. Najvar, Thomas F. Patterson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Animal models have long been used to explore various pathophysiological, immunological and microbiological questions in the field of medical mycology. These models have been adapted and altered over time, yet their use has persisted. They remain valuable as research tools due to similarities to processes in human physiology and disease, and are evolving to include more fungal pathogens and infections that better mimic disease in humans. Animal availability, animal cost, housing requirements, the need for immunosuppression, the potential for tissue, fluid or blood samples, a researcher's familiarity with the model, as well as governmental or institutional regulations, must all be considered when selecting an appropriate one to use. Although the questions of interest have changed over the past 30 years, one idea persists: animal models are valuable tools in research that span the gap between the bench and the clinic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-78
Number of pages11
JournalCurrent Fungal Infection Reports
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • Animal models
  • Antifungal therapy
  • Antifungal vaccines
  • Fungal diagnostics
  • Guinea pig
  • Host response
  • Mouse
  • Pathogenesis
  • Rabbit
  • Rat
  • Virulence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases

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