# Protocol for a murine skin abscess model to study bacterial infection dynamics, microbial interactions, and treatment efficacy

## TL;DR

This paper describes a mouse model for studying skin abscesses caused by bacteria, allowing researchers to track infections and test treatments in real time.

## Contribution

A detailed protocol for a murine skin abscess model to study bacterial infection dynamics and treatment efficacy using live imaging and molecular analysis.

## Key findings

- The model enables real-time monitoring of bacterial infections using bioluminescent or fluorescently labeled bacteria.
- The protocol includes methods for isolating RNA/DNA from infected tissues for transcriptomic and molecular studies.
- The model supports evaluating antimicrobial treatments and understanding host-pathogen interactions.

## Abstract

We present a murine skin abscess model to study pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions, infection progression, and therapeutic interventions. We outline steps for real-time monitoring of bacterial infection dynamics and host responses using bioluminescent or fluorescently labeled bacteria using IVIS (in vivo imaging system). We provide details to isolate bacterial and host RNA/DNA from infected tissues, enabling downstream transcriptomic and molecular analyses. This model offers a robust platform to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immunity and evaluate antimicrobial or innovative treatment strategies.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pletzer et al.1

•Procedures for establishing chronic subcutaneous abscesses using WHO-priority pathogens•Steps for infecting mice with pathogens and harvesting abscess tissue•Instructions for in vivo live imaging of infection•Guidance on administering antibiotics intra-abscessly and quantifying treatment effects

Procedures for establishing chronic subcutaneous abscesses using WHO-priority pathogens

Steps for infecting mice with pathogens and harvesting abscess tissue

Instructions for in vivo live imaging of infection

Guidance on administering antibiotics intra-abscessly and quantifying treatment effects

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

We present a murine skin abscess model to study pathogen-pathogen and host-pathogen interactions, infection progression, and therapeutic interventions. We outline steps for real-time monitoring of bacterial infection dynamics and host responses using bioluminescent or fluorescently labeled bacteria using IVIS (in vivo imaging system). We provide details to isolate bacterial and host RNA/DNA from infected tissues, enabling downstream transcriptomic and molecular analyses. This model offers a robust platform to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immunity and evaluate antimicrobial or innovative treatment strategies.