At Creative Biolabs, we offer a cutting-edge Advanced Infectious Disease Animal Model Service specifically designed to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of probiotic interventions against a wide range of infectious pathogens. In an era where antibiotic resistance is a critical global health challenge, understanding and demonstrating the protective and therapeutic capabilities of probiotics in vivo is paramount. Our comprehensive service provides the robust, actionable data you need to advance your probiotic products with confidence. Request a quote
Overview
Probiotics are gaining significant attention for their potential in preventing and treating infectious diseases. While in vitro studies offer initial insights, the complexity of host-microbe interactions, immune responses, and disease progression necessitates the use of well-characterized in vivo animal models. Our service leverages state-of-the-art infectious disease models in various animal species, including rodents, to accurately mimic human infections and assess the true prophylactic or therapeutic potential of your probiotic candidates. We provide a complete solution, from study design and execution to comprehensive data analysis and reporting, all tailored to your specific research objectives.
Comprehensive Infectious Disease Animal Model Services for Probiotic Efficacy Evaluation
Workflow
Service Details
Animal Models
Administration
Analysis
Samples
Deliverables
Turnaround Time
Animal Models
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Custom Model Development: If an existing model doesn't precisely fit your requirements, our expert scientists can develop and optimize novel infectious disease models.
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Pathogen Selection
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Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium difficile, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, etc.
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Viruses: Influenza virus, Rotavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (in relevant transgenic models), Norovirus, etc.
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Fungi:Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, etc.
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Animal Species
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Rodents: Mice (including germ-free and gnotobiotic models), Rats
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Other Species (as applicable): Guinea pigs, Rabbits.
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Routes of Infection: Flexible administration routes including oral gavage, intranasal, intratracheal, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravaginal.
Probiotic Administration
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Dosage Optimization: Determination of optimal probiotic dosage and frequency for efficacy.
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Formulation Testing: Evaluation of different probiotic formulations (e.g., capsules, powders, fermented products).
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Timing: Prophylactic (pre-exposure) or therapeutic (post-exposure) administration.
Comprehensive Endpoint Analysis
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Clinical Observations: Body weight changes, survival rates, clinical scores (e.g., diarrhea severity, respiratory distress).
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Pathogen Burden Quantification: Bacterial/viral/fungal load in target organs and tissues (e.g., CFU counts, qPCR/RT-qPCR).
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Histopathology: Microscopic examination of tissue damage, inflammation, and immune cell infiltration.
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Immune Response Assessment
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Cytokine/Chemokine Analysis: Measurement of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) in serum, tissue homogenates, or mucosal washings (ELISA, Luminex).
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Flow Cytometry: Immunophenotyping of immune cell populations in various tissues (e.g., spleen, Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, lamina propria).
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Antibody Titers: Measurement of specific antibody responses (e.g., IgA, IgG) to pathogens.
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Gut Barrier Integrity: Assessment of tight junction protein expression (western blot, IHC), gut permeability assays (e.g., FITC-dextran assay).
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Microbiota Analysis
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16S rRNA gene sequencing: Comprehensive analysis of microbial community composition and diversity (alpha and beta diversity), identification of specific taxa shifts.
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Shotgun Metagenomics: Deeper functional insights into microbial genes, metabolic pathways, and virulence factors.
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Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Analysis: Measurement of key microbial metabolites (e.g., acetate, propionate, butyrate) in fecal or cecal samples (GC-MS/HPLC).
Sample Information & Submission
To initiate a successful study, please provide detailed information about your probiotic product:
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Probiotic Strain(s): Full species and strain designation.
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Source and Purity: Information on the source of the strain and any purity certifications.
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Viability/Potency: Current CFU/g or CFU/mL data.
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Formulation: Type of formulation (e.g., freeze-dried powder, liquid culture, encapsulated).
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Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature and conditions.
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Safety Data: Any existing safety data (e.g., GRAS status, previous animal safety studies).
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Mechanism Hypothesis: Your proposed mechanism(s) of action for the probiotic against the target pathogen.
Deliverables
Upon completion of the study, you will receive a comprehensive package of deliverables, tailored to your specific project, which may include:
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Deliverable Components
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Content Specifications
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Detailed Study Report
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A professional, publication-ready report encompassing:
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Executive Summary
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Materials and Methods (detailed protocols)
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Results (graphs, tables, statistical analysis)
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Conclusions
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Raw Data Files
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All raw data generated from assays (e.g., CFU counts, flow cytometry data, sequencing files).
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Histopathology Images
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Representative images and scoring data (if applicable).
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Microbiota Analysis Reports
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Taxonomical and functional insights from sequencing data.
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Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for studies is highly dependent on the complexity of the model, the duration of the infection, and the number of endpoints. A typical study involving a common rodent model and standard endpoints can range from 8 to 16 weeks from protocol finalization to final report delivery. Complex or novel model development may require additional time for optimization and validation. We will provide a detailed timeline with your customized proposal.
Contact Us Today for a Quote
Advantages of Partnering with Creative Biolabs
Expertise in Infectious Disease & Microbiome Research
Our team is composed of experienced scientists and veterinarians who specialize in the mechanisms of infectious diseases, immunology, and the field of microbiome.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We operate modern facilities with appropriate biosafety levels for handling various pathogens.
Customizable Models
Flexibility to adapt existing models or develop new ones to precisely fit your research objectives.
Comprehensive Analytical Capabilities
Access to a wide array of advanced analytical techniques for in-depth immune and microbiota profiling.
Robust Data & Statistical Analysis
Rigorous experimental design and statistical analysis ensure high-quality, reproducible, and interpretable results.
Regulatory Compliance
All studies are conducted in compliance with ethical guidelines and relevant standards.
Confidentiality & IP Protection
We attach great importance to the confidentiality of your proprietary information and intellectual property rights.
Applications
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Probiotic Product Development: Demonstrating the efficacy of novel probiotic strains or formulations for health claims.
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Pre-clinical Validation: Providing robust preclinical data to support IND applications or clinical trial design.
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Mechanism of Action Studies: Elucidating the precise biological pathways through which probiotics exert their protective effects.
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Comparative Studies: Comparing the efficacy of different probiotic strains or combinations.
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Dose-Response Studies: Determining the optimal effective dose of a probiotic.
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Synergy Studies: Investigating the synergistic effects of probiotics with conventional antimicrobial therapies.
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Host-Pathogen-Probiotic Interactions: Understanding the complex interplay between the host, pathogen, and probiotic.
Mechanism of Action: How Probiotics Combat Infection in Vivo
Probiotics compete with pathogens for nutrients and adhesion sites on host mucosal surfaces, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing pathogen colonization and proliferation.
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Production of Antimicrobial Substances
Many probiotic strains produce antimicrobial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids (e.g., lactic acid, acetic acid), hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, and other low-molecular-weight antimicrobial compounds that directly inhibit or kill pathogens.
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Enhancement of Intestinal Barrier Function
Probiotics can strengthen the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier by increasing mucin production and regulating the expression of tight junction proteins (e.g., occludin, claudin-1). This prevents the translocation of pathogens and their toxins from the gut lumen into the bloodstream.
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Immunomodulation
Probiotics interact with the host's immune cells, regulating both the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response. This can involve:
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Direct Interaction with Immune Cells: Influencing the maturation and function of dendritic cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes.
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Cytokine Production: Promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), thereby dampening excessive inflammation caused by infection.
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Secretory IgA (sIgA) Production: Enhancing the production of sIgA, a crucial antibody in mucosal immunity that can neutralize pathogens and toxins.
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Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Probiotics can induce ecological shifts in the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and suppressing pathogenic species, thus establishing a healthier microbial balance that is more resistant to pathogen invasion.
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Anti-virulence Properties
Some probiotics can disrupt quorum-sensing pathways, which are essential for bacterial communication and the regulation of virulence factors, effectively disarming pathogens.
Contact us today to discuss your specific project needs and receive a customized proposal for our Advanced Infectious Disease Animal Model Service. Our expert team is eager to partner with you to generate the compelling data required to bring your innovative probiotic products to market.
FAQs
Can you work with germ-free or gnotobiotic animals?
Yes, we have expertise and facilities to conduct studies in germ-free or gnotobiotic animal models, which are invaluable for understanding the direct effects of specific probiotic strains in a controlled microbial environment.
How do you ensure the viability of the probiotics throughout the study?
We implement strict quality control measures, including initial enumeration of viable cells upon receipt and verification of CFU counts in the administered formulations throughout the study to ensure consistent dosing.
What types of infectious diseases can you model?
We can model a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and systemic infections. Please inquire about your specific pathogen of interest.
