Invertebrates as a study model of anaerobic infections

Abstract

Experiments with invertebrates have recently gained increased attention as a practicable substitute to traditional mammalian models in the study of host-bacterial interactions. Using an invertebrate study model has a number of advantages over traditional mammalian model including simple growth condition, short life-time, can be easily maintained, infected without anesthesia and with a smaller extent of ethical limitations. From a microbiological viewpoint, importance of anaerobic bacteria as agents for various diseases remains an interesting field for research. The study of the interaction between invertebrate model host and anaerobic bacteria therefore provides insights into the mechanisms underlying pathogen virulence and host immunity and complements or even compensates the use of mammalian model in assay for infectious disease. This review offers to consider about the appropriate invertebrate model select for the study of particular aspects of anaerobic bacterial pathogenesis.

Keywords

• invertebrate model
• anaerobic bacteria
• virulence factors
• disease