In vivo animal models: quantitative models used for identifying antibacterial agents.

Determining the in vivo bactericidal potential of novel agents is critical for selecting drug candidates. Described in this unit are two protocols that measure the amount of bacterial killing under very different conditions. The mouse pouch protocol is a rapid assay that provides efficacy data in an acute infection, whereas the rabbit tissue cage protocol assesses the ability of a compound to eradicate bacteria in a chronic abscess infection. Data from these tests, along with those from other qualitative and quantitative assays, are important for defining antibacterial efficacy in vivo.