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Volume 3 Supplement 1

ESICM LIVES 2015

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Development and characterization of a novel model of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia in invasively ventilated PIGS

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common causative pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Often, patients with pneumococcal CAP are admitted into intensive care units, particularly when affected by invasive serotypes.

Objectives

We aimed to develop and characterize a novel model of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia in pigs on mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Eight female Large White-Landrace pigs (33.9 ± 2.1 Kg) were anesthetized, tracheally intubated and connected to a mechanical ventilator. Ultrasound-guided arterial cannulation was performed, and a Swan-Ganz catheter was inserted into the jugular vein for hemodynamic monitoring. Following surgical preparation, and 4 hours thereafter, 15 mL of 108 cfu/mL of S. pneumonia serotype 19A, resistant to erythromycin, penicillin and tetracyclins, was instilled into each pulmonary lobe using a bronchoscope. Throughout the study, quantitative cultures of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and blood cultures were performed. Every 24 hours, gas exchanges, pulmonary mechanics, hemodynamics and laboratory parameters were assessed. Fluids and vasoactive drugs were administered to sustain hemodynamic stability. Doxycyclin and aztreonam were administered to avert colonization by endogenous pathogens. The animals were euthanized 72 hours after bacterial inoculation and pulmonary lobes were sampled for quantitative microbiology studies. Pneumonia was confirmed if pulmonary tissue S. pneumoniae culture was ≥ 3 log CFU/gram tissue. Additionally, in 6 animals lung histology was evaluated.

Results

Five out of eight animals completed the study. Three animals were euthanized earlier, due to pulmonary/hemodynamic failure, unresponsive to treatment. Clinical data are reported in table 1. Vasoactive drugs were used in 5 out of 8 animals. BAL S. pneumoniae concentration was 0, 5.9 ± 0.9, 3.6 ± 2.2 CFU/mL, at baseline, 24 and 72 hours of MV, respectively (p < 0.001). S. pneumoniae bacteremia was found in 3 animals. Pneumococcal pneumonia developed in 6 out of 8 animals and it was histologically confirmed in all analyzed samples. S. pneumoniae concentration of the right upper, medium, lower lobes and the left upper and lower lobes was 4.8 ± 2.3, 4.6 ± 3.1, 3.5 ± 3.2, 3.9 ± 2.9 and 3.4 ± 3.5 CFU/gram, respectively (p = 0.848).

Table 1 Clinical data throughout study time.

Conclusions

We developed a new model of severe invasive pneumococcal pneumonia characterized by respiratory and hemodynamic failure, hematologic changes and coagulopathy. The model could be used to study the pathophysiology of the disease and novel therapeutic and preventive strategies.

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Li Bassi, G., Amaro, R., Chiurazzi, C. et al. Development and characterization of a novel model of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia in invasively ventilated PIGS. ICMx 3 (Suppl 1), A619 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/2197-425X-3-S1-A619

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2197-425X-3-S1-A619

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