Establishment of a skin-infection model in immunosuppressive SD rats induced by cyclophosphamide

Objective To establish an effective and stable rat model of skin-infection for evaluating the therapeutic effects of topical anti-infection drugs.Methods SD rats were subcutaneously injected with cyclophosphamide to induce immunosuppression,and then surgical incisions were made on both sides of the spine.The rat model of skin-infection was established by applying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas suspension to the incisions for two consecutive days,and evaluated by analyzing infection status,pathological changes and healing time.Results The development of pyogenic infection was detected in all of the rats.Compared with the non-cyclophosphamide treated group,the cyclophosphamide treated group showed a more severe infection both from the visual inspection and the microscopic observation,moreover,its healing time was delayed more than 10 days.Conclusion The skin-infection model was successfully established in immunosuppressed rats induced by cyclophosphamide,which could be applicable to the efficacy evaluation of anti-infection drugs for external use on skin infection. Key words: Animal model;  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus;  Skin infection;  Immunosuppression