The Effects of Sex and Strain on <i>Pneumocystis murina</i> Fungal Burdens in Mice

Many preclinical studies of infectious diseases have neglected experimental designs that evaluate potential differences related to sex with a concomitant over-reliance on male model systems. Hence, the NIH implemented a monitoring system for sex inclusion in preclinical studies. Methods: Per this ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nikeya L. Macioce-Tisdale, Alan Ashbaugh, Keeley Hendrix, Margaret S. Collins, Aleksey Porollo, Melanie T. Cushion
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-10-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/8/10/1101
Description
Summary:Many preclinical studies of infectious diseases have neglected experimental designs that evaluate potential differences related to sex with a concomitant over-reliance on male model systems. Hence, the NIH implemented a monitoring system for sex inclusion in preclinical studies. Methods: Per this mandate, we examined the lung burdens of <i>Pneumocystis murina</i> infection in three mouse strains in both male and female animals at early, mid, and late time points. Results: Females in each strain had higher infection burdens compared to males at the later time points. Conclusion: Females should be included in experimental models studying <i>Pneumocystis</i> spp.
ISSN:2309-608X