A mouse model of small intestinal infection.

is a recognised cause of foodborne intoxication and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD), which are both mediated by staphylococcal enterotoxins. However, unlike foodborne intoxication, AAD appears to require infection of the host. While intoxication is widely studied, little is known about pathogenesis in the context of gastrointestinal infection. To develop a mouse model of gastrointestinal infection. An established AAD mouse model was adapted for infection, and damage observed via histopathological analysis and immunostaining of intestinal tissues. Various strains colonised the mouse model, and analysis showed that although clinical signs of disease were not seen, infection induced damage in the small intestine, disrupting host structures essential for epithelial integrity. Studies using a staphylococcal enterotoxin B mutant showed that this toxin may contribute to damage during gastrointestinal infection. This work presents a new mouse model of gastrointestinal infection, while also providing insight into the pathogenesis of in the gut.