The Effects of Sex and Strain on <i>Pneumocystis murina</i> Fungal Burdens in Mice

Abstract

Many preclinical studies of infectious diseases have neglected experimental designs that evaluate potential differences related to sex with a concomitant over-reliance on male model systems. Hence, the NIH implemented a monitoring system for sex inclusion in preclinical studies. Methods: Per this mandate, we examined the lung burdens of Pneumocystis murina infection in three mouse strains in both male and female animals at early, mid, and late time points. Results: Females in each strain had higher infection burdens compared to males at the later time points. Conclusion: Females should be included in experimental models studying Pneumocystis spp.

Keywords

• <i>Pneumocystis</i>
• pneumonia
• AIDS-related
• sex differences
• experimental design