Galleria Mellonella as an experimental model for the study of periodontopathogens

• Grant number: 17/05439-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2017
• End date: May 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lia Anbinder
• Grantee: Aline de Castro Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Gram-negative microorganisms, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevottella intermedia, are related to periodontal disease. The use of insects, such as Galleria mellonella, has been considered as a promising model for experimental infection. These larvae have great similarities, both structural and functional, with the innate immune system of mammals. In addition, they have several advantages such as low cost, easy breeding and maintenance, and they are useful in the reproduction of infections. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one study in G. mellonella that used periodontopathogens. Thus, the objective of the present study is to evaluate G. mellonella as an animal model for the study of periodontopathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia). In G. mellonella, 3 h and 24 h after the infection with the periodontopathogens, the survival curve and haemocyte density will be evaluated, as well as the count of CFU/mL after the recovery of the microorganisms from hemolymph. The data will be analyzed with the appropriate statistical test, at a significance level of 5%.