Galleria mellonella: an alternative experimental model for the evaluation of leptospire virulence

• Grant number: 25/02073-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Lourdes Isaac
• Grantee: Beatriz Rodrigues Seiler
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is present in the whole world but occurs in higher frequency and intensity in underdeveloped countries and in tropical regions. It is caused by spirochetes that belong to the genus Leptospira and creates significant impact to human health, animals and the economy. Due to its importance, studies are being made to uncover pathological and virulent mechanisms that leptospires employ, so that new treatments and a vaccine can be developed. To achieve that end, research groups make use of animal models that simulate with reasonable reliability what happens to humans infected by the disease. However, research in this area leads to multiple animal deaths, sparking discussions inside the scientific community regarding alternate experimental models. Galleria mellonella is a moth species that is a well-regarded candidate for this role, especially within Immunology. Some studies have detailed use of this species' larvae for evaluating the virulence of bacterial and fungal strains, nevertheless only two studies so far have explored the use of G. mellonella for leptospirosis. Therefore, this project proposes evaluating the G. mellonella larva as a possible experimental model for evaluation of virulence in different Leptospira spp. strains through infection and careful analysis of these insects. In addition, it is intended to compare data obtained though G. mellonella with data obtained through hamsters. (AU)