Zebrafish Larvae as an Experimental Model of Cryptococcal Meningitis

Z P Chalakova; S A Johnston

doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-3199-7_4

Zebrafish Larvae as an Experimental Model of Cryptococcal Meningitis

Methods Mol Biol. 2023:2667:47-69. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3199-7_4.

Authors

Z P Chalakova¹, S A Johnston²

Affiliations

¹ University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, UK.
² University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, UK. s.a.johnston@sheffield.ac.uk.

PMID: 37145275
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3199-7_4

Abstract

This chapter provides guidance for introducing Cryptococcus neoformans into the zebrafish larvae model system to establish a CNS infection phenotype that mimics cryptococcal meningitis as seen in humans. The method outlines techniques for visualizing different stages of pathology development, from initial to severe infection profiles. The chapter provides tips for real time visualization of the interactions between the pathogen and different aspects of the CNS anatomy and immune system.

Keywords: Cryptococcal meningitis; Cryptococcus neoformans; Fungal meningitis; Host–pathogen interactions; Live imaging; Time lapse microscopy; Zebrafish.

MeSH terms

Animals
Cryptococcus neoformans*
Humans
Larva
Meningitis, Cryptococcal* / pathology
Models, Biological
Zebrafish