Smith Brian J, Killoran Kristin E, Xu Jiajie J, Ayers Jessica D, Kendall Lon V
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado;, Email:
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2018 May 1;57(3):253-257.
Prions are proteinaceous infectious agents that are highly resistant to denaturation. Sterilization of prion-contaminated mouse cages requires chemical agents and increased autoclave temperatures that damage traditional cages, thus increasing facility costs. Disposable cages are a possible alternative that might decrease replacement costs without compromising the environment of the mice. We compared our standard protocol of changing traditional cages and bedding once every 2 wk to an experimental protocol using disposable cages in which only the bedding was changed once every 2 wk over an 8-wk period. We hypothesized that disposable cages would retain an acceptable level of cleanliness (measured by ATP swabs and contact plates) for at least 8 wk when bedding is replaced every 14 d. Results from ATP swabs and contact plates showed no difference between the 2 protocols during the 8-wk experiment. Prolonged use (that is, as long as 8 wk) of disposable cages had no additional environmental concerns, compared with traditional cages.
朊病毒是一种对变性具有高度抗性的蛋白质传染性因子。对受朊病毒污染的小鼠笼进行灭菌需要使用化学试剂并提高高压灭菌温度，这会损坏传统笼子，从而增加设施成本。一次性笼子是一种可能的替代方案，它可能会降低更换成本，同时又不影响小鼠的生活环境。我们将每2周更换一次传统笼子和垫料的标准方案与一种实验方案进行了比较，在实验方案中，使用一次性笼子，在8周的时间里，仅每2周更换一次垫料。我们假设，当每14天更换一次垫料时，一次性笼子至少在8周内能够保持可接受的清洁水平（通过ATP拭子和接触平板测量）。ATP拭子和接触平板的结果表明，在8周的实验期间，两种方案之间没有差异。与传统笼子相比，一次性笼子的长期使用（即长达8周）没有带来额外的环境问题。
