Abstract
BackgroundInfectivity trials and toxicity testing in rodents are important prerequisites to the use of compounds in man. However, trials in rats and mice are expensive and there are ethical considerations. Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae are a potential alternative. We have assessed the use of these insects in infectivity trials and toxicity testing.FindingsUsing four bacterial species (two Gram-negative and two Gram-positive) we have assessed the efficacy of four antibiotics against infections in Galleria and compared the antibiotic susceptibility with that in humans. In general, we find a good correlation. Similarly, we have assessed 11 compounds (initially tested blind) for their toxicity in Galleria and compared this with toxicity trials in mice and rats. Again we found a good correlation between toxicity in Galleria and that in rodents.ConclusionWe have found, in our hands, that G. mellonella larvae can be used in infectivity trials and toxicity testing, and that these assays represent an inexpensive and readily executable alternative to testing in rodents.
Highlights
Infectivity trials and toxicity testing in rodents are important prerequisites to the use of compounds in man
We have found, in our hands, that G. mellonella larvae can be used in infectivity trials and toxicity testing, and that these assays represent an inexpensive and readily executable alternative to testing in rodents
Study design Both the antibiotic efficacy trials and the toxicity testing were based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines for toxicity testing in mice and rats [15]
Summary
Infectivity trials and toxicity testing in rodents are important prerequisites to the use of compounds in man. Trials in rats and mice are expensive and there are ethical considerations. Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae are a potential alternative. We have assessed the use of these insects in infectivity trials and toxicity testing. It is of vital importance that compounds intended for use in humans are adequately tested in suitable animal systems. The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) is an insect in the order Lepidoptera and its larvae have previously been used for virulence and antimicrobial efficacy studies [2]. Numerous studies confirm that microbial pathogenicity and virulence determinants are the same in humans, mice and wax moths [4,5,6]. The insect immune system is functionally and structurally similar to the mammalian innate immune system [7, 8]
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