Preclinical Models of Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Brucellar spondylodiscitis, the most prevalent and significant osteoarticular presentation of human Brucellosis, is difficult to diagnose and usually yields irreversible neurologic deficits and spinal deformities. Relevant aspects of Brucella pathogenesis have been intensively investigated in preclinical models. Mice, rats, rabbits, and sheep are representing available models to induce Brucellosis. Evaluation of Brucellar spondylodiscitis may be performed using a large variety of methods, including plain radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, histological analysis, blood test, and bacteria culture. This chapter focuses on these preclinical models of Brucellar spondylodiscitis. The requirements for preclinical models of Brucellar spondylodiscitis, pearls and pitfalls of the preclinical model establishment, and comprehensive analyses of Brucellar spondylodiscitis in animals are also depicted