Fusarium solani-Induced Fungal Keratitis Model in Rabbits

Model Description

Fungal keratitis (FK), predominantly caused by Fusarium solani (a pathogenic species within the Fusarium genus), is a vision-threatening corneal infection with high global incidence. Our model replicates human FK progression through controlled Fusarium solani inoculation, achieving:

• Progressive corneal infiltration: Slit-lamp opacity score ≥Grade 3 (0-4 scale)
• Stromal ulceration: Histopathology-confirmed fungal hyphae invasion
• Clinical relevance: Mimics agricultural/contact lens-associated infections

 Key Advantages:
✓ Species-specific pathogenicity: Fusarium solani (ATCC 36031)
✓ Standardized infection protocol: 90% success rate
✓ Therapeutic validation: Responsive to natamycin/voriconazole

Applications

• Antifungal drug efficacy testing (azoles, polyenes)
• Immune response modulation studies (neutrophil recruitment, cytokine profiling)
• Novel diagnostic tool development (PCR-based fungal detection)
• Corneal healing mechanism research

Modeling Protocol —— Fusarium solani Inoculation

1. Pre-op Screening:

• Slit-lamp exam to exclude rabbits with pre-existing ocular abnormalities
• Third eyelid resection under anesthesia (ketamine 35 mg/kg + xylazine 5 mg/kg)

2. Infection Induction:

• Corneal epithelial debridement: 5mm trephine demarcation → Full-thickness epithelial removal
• Fungal inoculation: Apply Fusarium solani conidial suspension (1×10⁶ CFU/mL) to debrided area
• Post-op ofloxacin ointment BID ×3 days

3. Monitoring:

• Daily clinical scoring (opacity/edema/neovascularization)
• Humane endpoint: Perforation risk or severe pain

Validation & Testing

Technical Advantages