Animal models in bacterial biofilm research: a review

Abstract

Biofilm formation is closely related to pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of bacteria, and plays important roles in a number of chronic and subchronic infections. Animal models are widely used in the research of bacterial biofilm-associated infections, and provide a powerful scientific tool for investigating its pathogenesis and control strategies. This review summarized the application of mammalian models (e.g. mouse, rabbit, and pig) and non-mammalian models (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster, Zebrafish, and Caenorhabditis elegans) in bacterial biofilm studies, and prospects the application of animal models in biofilm. This review may facilitate the selection of suitable animal models in the study of biofilm-associated infections, so as to prevent and control the potential adverse effects.