Comparing different methods of establishing mouse and rat models of Pneumocystis carinii

Objective To determine a convenient,effective,and consistent animal model of pneumocystis.Methods Animals were immunosuppressed by subcutaneous injection,intragastric administration,or quantitative drinking of dexamethasone.The condition of infected animals,their mortality rate,and their rate of infection with Pneumocystis cysts were examined.Results The rate of infection with Pneumocystis cysts among SD rats was 75.0% in rats given a subcutaneous injection and 66.7% in rats receiving intragastric administration.There was a low rate of infection with Pneumocystis cysts among SD rats drinking dexamethasone and mice.Conclusion Intragastric administration or subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone in SD rats could provide a consistent animal model of pneumocystis.