High-Resolution Three-dimensional Whole-organ Tomography of Microbial Infections

J Vis Exp. 2024 Mar 1:(205). doi: 10.3791/66469.

Abstract

Most infections take place within three-dimensional host tissues with intricate anatomy and locally varying host physiology. The positioning of pathogen cells within this diverse environment significantly affects their stress levels, responses, fate, and contribution to the overall progression of the disease and treatment failure. However, due to the technical difficulties in locating µm-sized pathogen cells within cm-sized host organs, this area of research has been relatively unexplored. Here, we present a method for addressing this challenge. We employ serial two-photon tomography and AI-enhanced image analysis to locate individual Salmonella cells throughout the entire spleen, liver lobes, and whole lymph nodes of infected mice. Using fluorescent reporters and in vivo antibody administration, the replication rate of single Salmonella cells, their local interaction with specific immune cells, and bacterial responses to antibiotics can be determined. These methodologies open avenues for a comprehensive examination of infections, their prevention, and treatment within the three-dimensional tissue context.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents*
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Mice
  • Salmonella*
  • Spleen / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents