Pathology and Pathophysiology of Inhalational Anthrax in a Guinea Pig Model

摘要: Nonhuman primates (NHPs) and rabbits are the animal models most commonly used to evaluate efficacy of medical countermeasures against anthrax in support licensure under FDA's “Animal Rule.” However, a need for an alternative model may arise certain cases. The development such requires thorough understanding course manifestation experimental disease induced controlled conditions proposed species. guinea pig, which has been extensively pathogenesis studies vaccine potency testing, is good candidate model. This study was aimed at determining median lethal dose (LD50) Bacillus anthracis Ames strain pigs investigating natural history, pathophysiology, pathology inhalational this following nose-only aerosol exposure. inhaled LD50 aerosolized spores determined be 5.0 × 104 spores. Aerosol challenge resulted with death occurring between 46 71 h postchallenge. first clinical signs appeared as early 36 Cardiovascular function declined starting 20 postexposure. Hematogenous dissemination bacteria observed microscopically multiple organs tissues 24 Other histopathologic findings typical disseminated included suppurative (heterophilic) inflammation, edema, fibrin, necrosis, and/or hemorrhage spleen, lungs, regional lymph nodes lymphocyte depletion lymphocytolysis spleen nodes. demonstrated that resulting similar those seen NHPs, well humans.