Frontiers in Immunology (Nov 2023)
Sterility testing of germ-free mouse colonies
- Olga Dremova,
- Maximilian Mimmler,
- Nadja Paeslack,
- My Phung Khuu,
- Zhenling Gao,
- Markus Bosmann,
- Markus Bosmann,
- Lucien P. Garo,
- Nathalie Schön,
- Alexa Mechler,
- Yunes Beneich,
- Vivian Rebling,
- Amrit Mann,
- Giulia Pontarollo,
- Klytaimnistra Kiouptsi,
- Klytaimnistra Kiouptsi,
- Christoph Reinhardt,
- Christoph Reinhardt
Affiliations
- Olga Dremova
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Maximilian Mimmler
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Nadja Paeslack
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- My Phung Khuu
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Zhenling Gao
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Markus Bosmann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Lucien P. Garo
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Nathalie Schön
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Alexa Mechler
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Yunes Beneich
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Vivian Rebling
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Amrit Mann
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Giulia Pontarollo
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Klytaimnistra Kiouptsi
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Klytaimnistra Kiouptsi
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
- Christoph Reinhardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Christoph Reinhardt
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275109
- Journal volume & issue
-
Vol. 14
Abstract
In biomedical research, germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse models enable the mechanistic investigation of microbiota-host interactions and their role on (patho)physiology. Throughout any gnotobiotic experiment, standardized and periodic microbiological testing of defined gnotobiotic housing conditions is a key requirement. Here, we review basic principles of germ-free isolator technology, the suitability of various sterilization methods, and the use of sterility testing methods to monitor germ-free mouse colonies. We also discuss their effectiveness and limitations, and share the experience with protocols used in our facility. In addition, possible sources of isolator contamination are discussed and an overview of reported contaminants is provided.
Keywords
