Using the Protozoan Paramecium caudatum as a Vehicle for Food-borne Infections in Zebrafish Larvae.

ABSTRACT: Due to their transparency, genetic tractability, and ease of maintenance, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a widely-used vertebrate model for infectious diseases. Larval zebrafish naturally prey on the unicellular protozoan Paramecium caudatum. This protocol describes the use of P. caudatum as a vehicle for food-borne infection in larval zebrafish. P. caudatum internalize a wide range of bacteria and bacterial cells remain viable for several hours. Zebrafish then prey on P. caudatum, the bacterial load is released in the foregut upon digestion of the paramecium vehicle, and the bacteria colonize the intestinal tract. The protocol includes a detailed description of paramecia maintenance, loading with bacteria, determination of bacterial degradation and dose, as well as infection of zebra

SUBMITTER: Flores E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8376190 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature