Conclusions
This data suggests that for experimental bacterial keratitis studies involving Gram-negative rods, a single sex or mixed group of rabbit is sufficient for evaluating pathology and bacterial burdens. This will reduce the number of animals used for subsequent studies.
Methods
In this study, we injected female and male New Zealand White rabbit corneas with a keratitis isolate of S. marcescens and evaluated the eyes after 48 hours for a number of clinical and microbiological parameters.
Purpose
Females and males respond differently to a number of systemic viral infections. Differences between females and males with respect to the severity of keratitis caused by Gram-negative bacteria such as Serratia marcescens are less well established.
Results
No statistical differences in bacterial burden and corneal scores were recorded between female and male rabbits although there was a non-significant trend toward a higher frequency of female rabbits demonstrating hypopyons. Conclusions: This data suggests that for experimental bacterial keratitis studies involving Gram-negative rods, a single sex or mixed group of rabbit is sufficient for evaluating pathology and bacterial burdens. This will reduce the number of animals used for subsequent studies.