Olga Dremova1†
Maximilian Mimmler1†Nadja Paeslack1†
My Phung Khuu1†Zhenling Gao1Markus Bosmann1,2Lucien P. Garo2Nathalie Schön1
Alexa Mechler1Yunes Beneich1
Vivian Rebling1
Amrit Mann1
Giulia Pontarollo1Klytaimnistra Kiouptsi1,3†
Christoph Reinhardt1,3*†- 1Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- 2Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- 3German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
In biomedical research, germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse models enable the mechanistic investigation of microbiota-host interactions and their role on (patho)physiology. Throughout any gnotobiotic experiment, standardized and periodic microbiological testing of defined gnotobiotic housing conditions is a key requirement. Here, we review basic principles of germ-free isolator technology, the suitability of various sterilization methods, and the use of sterility testing methods to monitor germ-free mouse colonies. We also discuss their effectiveness and limitations, and share the experience with protocols used in our facility. In addition, possible sources of isolator contamination are discussed and an overview of reported contaminants is provided.
1 Introduction
The microbiome is a dynamic and interactive micro-ecosystem that is integrated in macro-ecosystems, including eukaryotic hosts (1). Notwithstanding the large quantities of omics-data generated over the past decade, the functional roles that individual microorganisms exert on the other members of this complex ecosystem, including the physiology of the host, remain poorly understood. The physiology of animal metaorganisms is strongly influenced by their microbiota (2). These influences range from local effects on the intestinal mucosa to systemic maturation of immune functions and inflammaging, or regulation and interference with host metabolic functions (3–7). Of note, microbiome composition is influenced by pharmacotherapy (e.g., antibiotics), and even more interesting, the efficacy of various pharmacological treatments might be influenced by microbiota composition (8, 9). Therefore, there currently is an unmet need to move from association-based evidence to causality, and to pinpoint the exact molecular mechanisms underlying microbiota-host interactions in health and disease. To complement results from sequencing studies, researchers must perform experimentation on well-defined gnotobiotic rodent models that have an annotated and controlled colonization status.
Germ-free (axenic) mouse models are crucial for gnotobiotic experimentation and the exploration of microbiota-host interactions (10, 11). The strength of these mammalian model organisms is the separation of the host from its colonizing microbiota, consisting predominantly of bacterial communities, and to a lesser extent of fungi, viruses, and protozoa (12, 13). Hence, germ-free mice enable the functional investigation of how commensals interfere with adaptive processes, cell-based mechanisms, and biochemical pathways (14). Gnotobiotic experimentation includes the association of germ-free mice with defined microorganisms, synthetic communities (syncoms), or complex microbiota (e.g., by fecal microbial transplantation) (15). This approach is essential to causally address how defined microorganisms or complex microbiomes impact various aspects of host physiology (16). Hence, gnotobiotic experimentation complements taxonomic sequencing technologies, yielding correlation-based evidence reported by a myriad of clinical and mouse microbiome studies (17, 18).
Enormous variation in this complex microbial ecosystem, which probably becomes most apparent when comparing the same laboratory mouse strain, with the same genetic background, kept at different husbandries and analyzed under well-standardized conditions, has been reported (19). Therefore, association studies based on taxonomic sequencing are insufficient to unravel how microbial communities interfere with host physiology. This is especially relevant for human microbiome studies since host genetics have been reported to have a minor role in determining microbiome composition, whereas environmental factors have been found decisive (20, 21). Interestingly, even genetic disease models depend on the colonization status of the host (22). Therefore, despite higher costs, gnotobiotic experimentation with germ-free mouse models associated with well-defined model microbiomes or individual microbial species constitutes a key technology needed to disentangle specific functional roles of the microbiota (23).
Gnotobiotics evolved in the late nineteenth century, shortly after the scientific debates on germ-free life, when the first germ-free rederivation experiments on guinea pigs were reported by George Nuttall and Hans Thierfelder in Berlin (24), followed by rederivation experiments on chicken and goats (25, 26). However, since germ-free isolator technology had yet to be developed, these first germ-free animals were prone to microbial contamination. In 1946, the group of James A. Reyniers, at the Laboratory of Bacteriology at University of Notre Dame (LOBUND) in Illinois (USA), succeeded in establishing gnotobiotic steel isolators combined with an autoclave to maintain successive generations of germ-free rodents (27). Rearing germ-free albino rats required cesarean-derivation and subsequent hand feeding (27, 28). To rear germ-free rats, a stainless-steel isolator system, that was autoclaved in a large steam autoclave, was likewise developed by Bengt Gutsafsson at the University of Lund in Sweden (29, 30). Next, Philip C. Trexler developed the flexible film isolator system, which worked without autoclaving, and instead was based on germicides and had a controlled airflow (31). Another technical improvement was the possibility of keeping gnotobiotic mice in microisolator cages, but with a higher risk for contamination (32, 33). Meanwhile, embryo transfer efficiently applied for rederiving first generation germ-free mouse lines and various germ-free inbred mouse strains have become commercially available and can be securely transported using germ-free shippers (34–36).
Germ-free mice are certainly key as a model system to improve our understanding of gut microbial ecology (37). Gnotobiotic isolator technology enables the intentional colonization of germ-free mice with a complex gut microbiota (e.g., cecal contents from a conventionally raised donor mouse), consecutive colonization with individual microbes (monocolonization) (38, 39), or a defined set of selected bacteria from pure cultures (40). There is growing interest in studying gnotobiotic mouse models colonized with minimal microbiomes, so-called synthetic microbiomes (synthetic communities; syncoms) (15, 41), in order to limit experimental variability and to improve the reproducibility of rodent studies. The altered Schaedler flora (ASF) is probably the most prominent example of a standardized model microbiome, consisting of eight culturable and quantifiable bacterial species (42–45). Meanwhile, additional syncoms have been developed (e.g., Oligo-Mouse Microbiota (OMM), Simplified Human Intestinal Microbiota (SIHUMI), and Simplified Intestinal Microbiota (SIM)) (46–49). Another application is the use of germ-free rodent models for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) studies, using microbiomes from human donors or inter-species microbiota transplantation models (50–52). Preclinical studies, with the aim to study the microbiota of human donors with certain physiologic or disease phenotypes, are based on the transplantation of human gut microbiota into germ-free mouse models to transmit donor traits (humanized gnotobiotic mouse models) (53–55). However, the genetic background of the recipient rodent system strongly influences the composition of the transferred microbiota in the gnotobiotic host (51). In all these aspects, germ-free mouse isolator technology is superior to microbiota depletion using various antibiotic regimens, particularly since antibiotics evoke additional effects on host physiology that are independent of the host colonization status (23, 56).
Naturally, germ-free mice are sterile only within the limitations of the sterility testing methods applied. Unfortunately, these methods are still not standardized between different gnotobiotic facilities. In this regard, James A. Reyniers noted in his conference report in 1959 that “the science or art of detecting contamination is always the limiting factor and is at best a temporary situation” (57). It should be appreciated that germ-free housing conditions are greatly influenced by variations in the diet itself (i.e., batch-to-batch variation), irradiation procedures on the breeding diet (e.g., gamma vs. electron beam radiation, radiation dose), and the autoclaving protocols applied (e.g., the autoclave, autoclaving program, temperatures, and steam pressure). In addition to the training and experience of personnel and the routines for operating germ-free isolator technology, these parameters may vary between different facilities. Although routine protocols to control the microbiological status have been established in different germ-free facilities (58), they have not been well-described in much detail and still vary. We here provide a literature-based review, describing what is known on gnotobiotic isolator technology, the efficacy of sterilization methods, possible sources of contamination, and applicable sterility testing procedures.
2 Features of germ-free mouse isolator technology
2.1 Germ-free rederivation
The first germ-free animals were derived by hysterectomy and were hand-raised, which was successfully performed by the Laboratory of Bacteriology at the University of Notre Dame (28, 59, 60). Nowadays, hysterectomy and embryo transfer are the most used methods to generate germ-free mice from conventionally raised (CONV-R) stock (11, 34, 35). Rederivation by hysterectomy begins with the synchronous and timed mating of CONV-R donor and germ-free recipient breeding pairs. Shortly before birth, the uterus containing the pups, which is sterile, is clamped off and removed from the CONV-R donor’s abdomen. The uterus is then transferred into a special rederivation isolator via a dip tank containing disinfectant (e.g., iodine or 10% bleach) (11). In the destination isolator, the germ-free foster mother (recipient), which recently gave birth itself, fosters the freshly delivered pups (11, 60). After weaning, the freshly rederived mice can be mated inside a sterile isolator to start a new germ-free colony of the strain or genotype of interest. Alternatively, rederivation can be executed by embryo transfer. Here, embryos in the two-cell state are implanted into the oviduct of a germ-free surrogate mother, which will later give birth inside a sterile isolator (34, 35). A more detailed description of these methods can be found elsewhere (60, 61). As rederivation methods are highly delicate procedures that require trained staff and special equipment, most germ-free facilities choose not to perform these procedures themselves. Instead, companies have commercialized the rederivation of germ-free animals for users. These generated germ-free animals are transported in specially designed germ-free shippers to the destination facility, ensuring the germ-free state of the animals (36).
2.2 General principles of isolator technology
To maintain a rederived germ-free mouse colony, sterile long-term housing is necessary. Here, an isolator creates an impermeable mechanical barrier separating its sterile inner environment from the outside. Transparent flexible-film isolators made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with positive pressure are widely used to provide a sterile or microbially controlled environment, which ensure enhanced visibility and more operational space (62–64). Isolator components have remained consistent throughout the different generations of isolators, including essential components such as the isolation chamber, air filter system, port system, blower, and gloves, which are illustrated in Figures 1A, B. The large housing unit of the isolator provides enough space for mouse cages and all supplies needed for animal care and experimental procedures. Two to three-tiered shelves in the isolation chamber increase the vertical storage space for animal cages. The isolator floor is covered by a robust extra canvas, protecting the isolator shell, and facilitating the work in the isolator. The isolator chamber is connected to an air-filter system. The blower inlet aspirates air into a column wrapped in filter cloth. A ball valve allows adjustment of air pressure going into the isolator, which facilitates the work in a semi-inflated isolator (i.e., by facilitating access to distant points). Filtered air, free of microorganisms and spores, then enters the isolator cavity, providing sterile air to the residing animals and inflating the isolator shell, which keeps the inner pressure positive. The positive pressure principle prevents the entry of microorganisms through microscopic leaks in the shell (11). Outgoing air is passively dissipated via a separate filter column, thus shielding the sterile interior from entering environmental microorganisms. Gloves made of latex, polyurethane, or nitrile rubber are mounted and hermetically sealed at the side of the isolator (62). This enables the operator to handle gnotobiotic animals in the isolator while shielding them from exposure to the environment. A rigid transfer port within reach of the gloves is installed in the isolator shell. This connects the sterile inner environment to the outside and is sealed with plastic caps from both sides (one cap on the inside of isolator and one on the outside, both secured by rubber bands). The double-doored port enables the isolator to be opened stepwise while keeping contaminations outside the sterile chamber. The isolator can thus be loaded by connecting autoclave sterilizing cylinders with sterile goods to the transfer port by a transfer sleeve with nipples. The created channel is then filled with microbicidal vapors/fog and incubated, thus creating a sterile lock, through which autoclaved material can be transferred from the cylinder into the channel and imported into the isolator chamber. This allows animal care supplies and experimental materials to be imported into the isolator. The isolator is usually placed on a table fitted with bidirectional locking casters that secure the structure during work and prevent it from moving.
Figure 1 Structure of a flexible film isolator and the ISOcage P. (A) Schematic view of the isolator construction including the 1. Blower; 2. Air valve; 3. Filter column; 4. Isolator shell; 5. Gloves and 6. Isolator port closed with caps from in- and outside. (B) Photograph of a flexible film isolator. (C) Schematic view of the ISOcage P system with 1. Cage, 2. Air in- and outlet connecting to cage rack, 3. Hermetically sealed lid and 4. HEPA air filter (Tecniplast ISOcage P system). Air flow is depicted by dotted arrows.
2.3 The ISOcage P system
As an alternative to isolators, the ISOcage P system was developed to provide sterile isolation at the cage level (Figure 1C) (65). Air flow is mechanically driven by the ventilation system of the cage storing rack, whereby air passes through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter into the sterile individually ventilated cage (IVC). The air inlet and outlet of the ISOcage P are equipped with double gasket self-closing nozzles, which close automatically when the cage is removed from the ventilation rack. Thus, the hermetic cage remains pressurized, which prevents air exchange between the cage and the environment, mimicking the positive pressure isolator principle. The individual ventilation of the ISOcage P protects different mouse cohorts from one another by preventing cage-to-cage contamination. This is a known problem in the isolator system. In the event of contamination, all open housing cages within the isolator chamber are affected. Depending on the experimental design, separate sterile cage animal housing can be of great advantage. As the cage isolators comprise a single sterile unit, it allows multiple experimental conditions to be conducted simultaneously in the same rack achieving an IVC-like density. Furthermore, experiments of mono-association of axenic mice with a single microbe or multiple defined microbiotas can be performed in a cage-restricted manner. After completion of an experiment,contaminated cages can easily be sterilized and are ready to be used again. In contrast, monocolonized isolator units require complete reconstruction and sterilization, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure. However, because sterile housing cages need to be changed or opened for experimental operations more frequently, they are susceptible to contamination. Therefore, handling and opening sterile cages needs to be strictly standardized and performed under a sterile class II biosafety cabinet, with operators wearing adequate protection clothing (11).
Overall, the ISOcage P system provides reliable bioexclusion, nearly as good as the isolator concept (32). It is highly suitable for housing gnotobiotic and immunocompromised animals by shielding them from environmental influences. It boasts advantages in ergonomics, flexibility, and density, while also increasing the number of simultaneously feasible studies with different conditions. However, for long-term housing and breeding germ-free animals, the ISOcage P system is not the optimal choice, as the handling and opening of the ISOcage P constitutes a comparatively high risk for contamination, which is safer to be performed in a sterile isolator. Therefore, it might be worth considering combining both systems within one’s gnotobiotic facility, thus keeping the breeding and stock of germ-free animals in sterile isolators and transferring them into the ISOcage P system when performing experiments.
The ISOcage P system, which provides sterile isolation at the cage level, comes with different advantages and disadvantages. Because different mouse cohorts are separated from each other on cage level, accompanied by individual cage ventilation, cage-to-cage contamination can be prevented. This is especially useful for short term experiments, as single sterile cage units allow the simultaneous conduction of experiments, including multiple conditions in the same rack achieving IVC-like density. Importantly, the necessity of frequent cage changing makes them susceptible to contamination. Thus, their use is especially suited for short-time periods to keep the opening of cages and potential contamination at a minimal level, while exploiting the advantage of the easy handling. On the contrary, the long-term husbandry and breeding of mice requires frequent opening and changing of cages, which is therefore more suitable to be performed in the sterile environment of a flexible film isolator, minimizing the risk of contamination. Here, the precise handling, which is needed for experimental operations, is negligible.
2.4 Staff requirements
In order to house and breed germ-free animals in sterile isolators, trained animal caretakers are required to perform daily basic animal care including bedding changes, feeding, breeding, weaning, and organizing stock. Depending on the number of animals housed in the facility, several animal caretakers may be needed. Additionally, experimenters and assistants are involved in planning and performing experiments in the isolators (e.g., mono-associations, feeding experiments, or behavior experiments). Here, trained staff must assess welfare of experimental animals on a daily basis (e.g., by scoring and weighing). Overall, special training is required for all staff employed in a germ-free facility maintaining isolators regarding sterilizing and autoclaving procedures, importing and exporting materials and animals into/from isolators, connecting isolators, sterility testing, and assembling/disassembling the isolator constructions. Furthermore, employment of a veterinarian can be of great advantage for optimizing animal welfare.
3 Applicable sterilization methods
There are several methods applied to maintain the sterile barrier. However, not all of them apply to every material required for maintenance of a sterile environment. A key aspect of gnotobiotic technology is the sterilization of material, including not only the film isolators, diet, water, and bedding, but also the associated equipment required for experimental procedures such as needles or scales.
The first step to establish a sterile environment is the sterilization of the film isolators, which will host the germ-free animals. This process is usually performed using chemical antimicrobial compounds applied with a spray gun to corroborate the spreading of disinfectant throughout isolator surfaces. The first attempts to maintain a sterile environment utilized peracetic acid (63, 64). However, the highly corrosive nature of this chemical raised the need to apply less aggressive disinfectants such as alcide (66, 67). Other approaches included sterilization by ethylene oxide gas (68) or formaldehyde gas (69). Nowadays, in order to avoid toxicity and to achieve more safety and cost efficiency, chemical compounds such as chlorine-oxide products are commonly used, which have proved to be efficient against both bacteria and spores (70). Another benefit of chlorine-oxide products is their fogging capacity (70).
Maintaining a sterile isolated environment to host animals is not the only challenge of gnotobiotic facilities. Long-term housing of gnotobiotic animals requires the maintenance of axenic conditions. This cannot be achieved without a large autoclave with sufficient capacity to fit the transfer cylinders, large metal autoclavable cylinders that are used to supply isolators with required sterilized material. The most popular way to insert material in an isolator is to pack it in the cylinders, which are safely sealed until connected to the isolators, although there are facilities that have developed protocols avoiding the use of such cylinders (71). Autoclaving is accomplished by steam sterilization, a process that combines temperature, steam, pressure, and time to eliminate microbial life. This is suitable for autoclavable material like cages, bedding, water, metal instrumentation, and food. The use of biological and chemical indicators is highly recommended, although they often do not meet standards (72, 73). A challenging issue regarding the housing of gnotobiotic animals is the supply of food, which is often a source of contamination (74). Diet consistency is an important factor for diet selection. While the most common form used for laboratory animals is a pelleted diet because it is easy to handle and store and has reduced dust in the facilities, (75) extruded diets are preferable for gnotobiotic facilities. They are baked at high temperatures during the manufacturing process, thus reducing in advance the bacterial load of the natural products used in the feed manufacturing. Moreover, extruded diets are less dense (75) and since steam sterilization process depends on proper steam penetration in the food, the sterilization process of extruded diet is more effective. However, the baking process of the extruded diet is not sufficient to eliminate the bacterial load of the diet’s ingredients. The food used for the gnotobiotic animals needs to be further sterilized by autoclaving and/or γ-irradiation (> 25 kGy) to achieve full sterility. However, γ-irradiation is only recommended for extruded diets because the bacterial load in pelleted diets is too high to be eliminated by irradiation (75). Irradiated diet is easier to handle and occasionally preferred, especially when autoclaving is not an option (76, 77). By irradiation, the nutrients of the diet are not affected the way they are by autoclaving. Furthermore, the irradiation companies test irradiated material for bacterial contaminants and provide certificates for the sterility of their food. However, risk of contamination remains because of the presence of radioresistant bacteria (e.g., Deinococcus radiodurans can survive 17.5 kGy) (78). Additionally, irradiation may have adverse effects on research outcomes. For instance, a study by Prasain et al. in 2017 demonstrated that irradiation could lead to an increase in oxidized lipid metabolites (79). On the other hand, autoclaving food is laborsome, expensive, and often needs to be validated, both by validating the recorded temperature and pressure of the autoclave cycles and the steam autoclave itself, and also the samples by using biological or chemical indicators to prove sterilization efficacy (58). After autoclaving, the diet is hardened, difficult to gnaw, and the concentration of heat-sensitive diet ingredients must be adjusted to compensate for the loss of some nutrients through the sterilization process, in a way that the nutrient requirements of the animals are met (80).
4 Relevant sources of isolator contaminations
Maintaining germ-free animals requires an isolator system that effectively segregates sterile animals from ubiquitous microorganisms present in the external environment. Since preserving a germ-free husbandry entails a multitude of materials, technical knowledge, and well-trained staff, the sources of isolator contaminations are manifold. Failure of one parameter is sufficient to contaminate an entire isolator, including its animals. Moreover, the rebuilding of the isolators and eventual (re)generation of germ-free mice through derivation is a costly and time-consuming process.
Contamination of a germ-free system can occur through damage of the physical barrier or by introducing improperly sterilized material. The former includes leaks in the plastic film isolator, gaskets, port caps, or rubber gloves. Prolonged breaks of positive pressure in isolators harbors the risk of aerosol translocation of contaminants through small holes in the material. Gloves especially should be considered a weak point. As they are frequently worn and stretched out due to frequent use and animal contact, gloves need to be inspected for leaks or signs of material fatigue on a regular basis. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) is a widely used material for gloves due to its chemical resistance and high tensile strength. Nonetheless, frequent inspection and replacement can prevent transfer of contaminants, such as commensal skin bacteria (58).
Besides damage of the isolation system, contamination can occur due to improper sterilization. Inadequate monitoring of each sterilization cycle performance, and technical failures in sterilization apparatuses, can lead to the persistence of microorganisms or their spores. For instance, the spore former, Clostridium perfringens type D, was found in autoclaved mouse pellets after an ineffective autoclaving process. Wet steam containing 5% entrained water resulted in lower heat transfer efficiency (81). Sterilization is usually performed by autoclaving, irradiation, or spraying with decontaminating gases. Autoclaving is performed to sterilize water, food, bedding, and other small objects. Improper packing of the autoclave load by stacking large quantities of material can likewise negatively affect autoclaving performance by limiting the penetration of hot steam. Ionizing-irradiation offers an alternative to moist heat sterilization. However, eradication of highly radioresistant bacteria such as Deinococcus radiodurans, which can withstand doses of 17.5 kGy γ-irradation, may present a challenge. Although rarely found and thus unlikely to occur in germ-free husbandries, contamination with D. radiodurens would require particularly high doses of ionizing-radiation (58, 82). Finally, thermolabile materials unsuitable for heat sterilization are treated with decontaminating gases such as ethylene oxide. Here, the application of unsuitable parameters in terms of exposure time, temperature, and humidity can interfere with the complete decimation of contaminants (82). In this regard, the cells and especially spores of the commonly found Bacillus subtilis are often employed to study or validate sterilization methods as they exhibit highly resistant properties (83, 84). Whereas decimal reduction of S. faecalis was achieved after 3 minutes exposition to ethylene oxide, the spore-forming B. subtilis survived twice as long (85). Interestingly, the age of cells and spores of B. substilis can significantly influence their resistance to sterilization using for instance heat or germicidal agents (86).
A study comparing commonly used liquid disinfectants discovered several bacteria originating from soil or plants, as well as Micrococcus luteus, in one of their contaminated gnotobiotic isolators. Since M. luteus is a bacterium found on human skin, it is possible that the contamination occurred through surfaces. By comparing chlorine-oxide- and peroxide-based disinfectants, they concluded that the latter was much less effective against vegetative bacteria and spores (70). Even though contaminations in germ-free husbandries are common issues, the identification of specific species is most likely not followed in every case due to cost and time limitations. Reports of fungal contaminants in particular are scarce and often left unspecified (e.g., mold). This is possibly attributed to the fact that fungi spread slowly and that contaminations are often not heavy enough to be detected through Gram staining. Certainly, concrete tracing of the source would help to improve internal standards and avoid errors that could introduce unwanted microorganisms in germ-free isolators. Table 1 provides a list of bacterial contaminants that have been reported in germ-free husbandries or failed sterilization processes.
Table 1 Overview of described bacterial contaminants of germ-free isolators.
Furthermore, in gnotobiotic experimentation, little attention has been paid to viral contamination, although infection of germ-free animals with viral particles were first described over 60 years ago (89–91). Virus-contaminated animals are often referenced as germ-free in the literature. Namely, leukaemia virus, mammary tumour virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis have been discovered and hypothesized to be transmitted from the maternal host to the fetus, a phenomenon termed congenital infection or vertical transmission (Table 2) (92). Given that specific viral contaminants can overcome the physical and immunological barrier of the placenta, special caution should be employed during screening of mice for derivation (93).
Table 2 Overview of described viral contaminants of germ-free mice.
Vigilant working practice can be instrumental to detect contaminations at an early stage. Thereby, interventions may enable control of contaminations before these affect multiple colonies. In addition to sterility testing, regular observation of the animals’ appearance can provide information about their sterility status. Sickness, changes in fecal consistency or alterations of anatomical features such as a shrunken cecum or enlarged lymph nodes are potential indicators of microbial colonization of germ-free mice.
5 Methods applied for sterility testing
Monitoring sterility of gnotobiotic animal housing places high demands on sample preparation and testing methods. For various analyses such as microscopic examination, microbiological culture, or PCR-based evaluation, samples such as feces, fur, or urine can be utilized. Moreover, in order to ensure sterility within the isolator, many laboratories employ commercial or self-made swabs. Even though mice are held in individual cages, the whole isolator should be treated as a single sterile unit. As maintaining appropriate housing conditions involves changing bedding material, water, and enrichment inside the isolators, contamination is very likely to spread between all cages in a matter of days, depending on the frequency of handling. In this scenario, every cage could be seen as a sentinel cage and therefore, the collection of probes from only a few cages gives a sufficient approximation for the sterility state of the complete animal population inside an isolator. As the analyses are too elaborate to be performed directly inside an isolator, fresh samples need to be transported to the laboratory unaltered and analyzed directly, even if opening isolators to eject specimens also poses a potential threat of contamination. The time in between the probe collections can range from 24 hours to over a week or up to a month, depending on the planned experiments, housing conditions, and effort of the used techniques (33, 94). For instance, Nicklas et al. has suggested test bedding, food and fecal samples in the isolator every 4 weeks. Furthermore, for a more thorough examination of the organs, necropsy can be performed once every 3 to 6 months using various examination methods (58). Regular testing enables weekly monitoring of isolator sterility and facilitates early detection of contamination at its initial stages. However, the risk of contamination can increase due to frequent transfer of testing materials and samples.
In murine gut microbiota, the abundance of strict anaerobes exceeds facultative anaerobes or aerobes by a factor of 100 to 1000 (95). Therefore, the viability of most gut microbes is strongly impaired in the presence of oxygen (96). In principle, it is possible to cultivate anaerobic bacteria from feces in hypoxic chambers (97). On their way into a sterile isolator, contaminants most likely experience exposure to oxygen, so they predominantly might be characterized as aerobic or at least aerotolerant. This would be in line with bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, E. coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Aspergillus, being commonly found on surfaces (98–101). One exception might be anaerobic bacteria of the genus Clostridium, that can survive exposure to atmospheric oxygen and even temperatures up to 121°C by forming spores (102–105).
5.1 Probe sampling
When screening for contamination in isolators, swabs and fecal collection are the most frequent methods. The treatment of the samples prior to analysis may affect the results, the conditions during transport, storage, and analysis should mirror those during probe sampling. For this, primary sterile materials as well as swabs and smears should be kept at room temperature (106).
Swabs are used to collect material from isolator and cage surfaces. All-in-one systems like Isolator and Clean Room (ICR)-swabs already contain nutrient broth medium to cultivate contaminants sticking to the tip of the swab. They are irradiated with doses ranging between 25 kGy and 35 kGy and allow growth of contaminants while avoiding unwanted contaminations during further processing (107). ICR-swabs with soyabean casein digest medium have been reported to detect several microorganisms found in aseptic environments like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus capitis and Bacillus pumilis when inoculated with less than 10 colony forming units (CFU) of the respective microorganism (108).
While swabs are applicable to sample surfaces inside an isolator, analysis of feces allows the assessment of sterility of the housed animals directly. Fecal samples can be taken either as excreted pellets from within the cage or by dissection after sacrificing the mouse. While the latter minimizes the risk of false positive testing results if the dissection is performed in a sterile environment, it is not applicable for continuous testing of isolators. For this, collection of fecal pellets as fresh as possible with sterile instruments is more sustainable. Importantly, the storage conditions of fecal samples after collection can affect microbial content. Samples that are kept at room temperature for up to 72 h can display time-dependent changes in the composition of microbes, like an increase in the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium species as well as a decrease in the relative abundances of Anaerostipes, Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium and Lachnospiraceae species (109, 110). If testing is not performed immediately after sampling, storage at -80°C can retain the microbial information, at least for DNA-based analyses, for a longer period of time with only minor changes in bacterial abundances, even after two years (111).
5.2 Testing methods
Fecal sample testing can give information both on the presence of living bacteria and bacteria-borne products. While the first entails microscopic examination and culturing bacteria in liquid or solid medium, the latter is accomplished by amplification and/or sequencing methods. Both approaches have their drawbacks as well as advantages that are described in more detail below. Of note, serological and fungal testing of germ-free mouse colonies is also required.
5.3 Microscopic examination
Gross observation and microscopic examination of sample material from germ-free isolators can provide evidence of sterility status and potential contaminants, but requires an experienced microscopist. Fecal and blood smears, gastrointestinal (GI) contents, accumulated waste, and organ imprints have been suggested as sample materials. Gram staining has been characterized as a method for broad observation and detection of bacteria or fungi, as it allows the detection of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species based on the stain of their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria present a thicker peptidoglycan layer and stain violet, while Gram-negative bacteria stain red due to the thinner peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall (112). Heidenhain’s Iron Alum Hematoxylin (HIAH)-, Machiavello-, Giesma, and Kinyoun’s acid-fast stain could be used for specific detection of protozoa, Rickettsiae, Bartonellaceae and mycobacteria, respectively (Table 3). However, many bacterial strains are sensitive to Gram staining or culture and hence difficult to identify using standard techniques.
Table 3 Methods for detection of contaminants.
5.4 Microbiological culture
Microbiological culture in liquid or solid media can be used to detect contamination of living bacteria in a gnotobiotic facility. Fluid thioglycollate medium (FTM) and soybean-casein digest medium (SCDM) are currently suggested to be the most appropriate liquid media for sterility testing. While FTM may identify both aerobic and anaerobic species, SCDM is mostly used to detect fungi and aerobic bacteria. The most widely used solid medium for sterility controls is brain-heart infusion agar with 5% sterile defibrinated horse or goat blood (113). Sabouraud’s dextrose medium is recommended to rapidly detect fungal contamination, though other media also support fungal growth (114).
Table 4 provides examples of media commonly used in microbiological culturing methods. Brain-heart Infusion Broth or agar, FTM, SCDM as well as growth and ascorbic acid media, are mainly used to identify generic contaminants. However, if the objective is to target a specific bacterial strain, selective culture media should be utilized. For instance, MacConkey medium is specifically designed to target Gram-negative and enteric bacteria, based on their ability to ferment lactose and utilize bile salts. Lactose-fermenting bacteria like E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter produce acids that results in pink colonies (122). Similarly, the tryptone and yeast extract-rich Luria-Bertani medium is widely used for detection and cultivation of E. coli (121). Brucella agar serves the purpose of targeting not only Brucella species but also anaerobic gut residents such as Bacteroides and Prevotella species (119). Additionally, reinforced clostridial medium allows the specific detection of Clostridium sp. For the general detection of anaerobic species, anaerobic blood agar can be applied (115). Combining different culture methods and media allows the detection of bacteria that require specific growth conditions.
Table 4 Microbiological culture media.
For growth analyses, collected fecal samples or cecal content can be dissolved in media either under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Temperatures of 25°C, 37°C, and 55°C have been recommended for sample incubation. The incubation time period for microbiological cultures varies based on the typical growth characteristics of the bacteria being cultured. Fast-growing bacteria, like E. coli, can form visible colonies within 24 hours of incubation (128). However, other bacteria with slower growth rates may require 48 hours or longer to develop visible colonies (129, 130). Moreover, fungi and yeast often require several days or weeks to display visible growth (131). Therefore, it is crucial to consider specific growth requirements, such as temperature, oxygen, and incubation ´periods for the targeted microorganism.
The most common method of culturing microorganisms is the spread plate method. In this method, a sterile Drigalski spatula is used to spread the diluted sample over a solid agar surface. After incubation, colonies growing on the surface of the medium can be counted and identified (Figure 2A). Alternatively, the diluted sample can be mixed with melted agar and poured into a sterile Petri dish (Figure 2B). Filtration involves passing a sample through a filter and collecting bacteria on its surface. Filtered bacteria can then be collected and placed on the surface of a blood agar plate for subsequent incubation (Figure 2C). To identify anaerobic bacterial species, samples can be spread over agar plates and incubated in anaerobic chambers or jars (Figure 2D).
Figure 2 Microbiological culturing methods. Spread plate method: (A) Diluted sample is applied to the solid agar using Drigalski spatula. After incubation, bacterial colonies can be counted on the plate surface. (B) Pour plate method: Diluted sample is mixed with a melted agar medium and poured into plate. After incubation, bacteria are visible in the agar. (C) Filtration method: Diluted sample is passed through a filter. Bacteria attached to the filter are applied to the agar plate for further incubation and evaluation. (D) Anerobic culture method: To detect anaerobic bacterial species, spread plate method can be applied in the anaerobic chamber. Created with BioRender.com.
In conclusion, gross observation, microbiological culture, and microscopic examination are commonly utilized to detect contamination within 3-5 days. The advantages of these systems are their ease of use, efficiency, and low cost of materials. However, detection of stained bacteria can be challenging and result in a false-positive or -negative outcome.
5.5 PCR-based methods
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based methods can be used to identify bacterial contamination in germ-free facilities (132). Packey et al. have provided a comprehensive description of PCR-based methods, including random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, PCR detection of the 16S rRNA gene, and qPCR, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing, suggesting their use in screening germ-free isolators for bacterial contamination. Compared to traditional methods such as Gram-staining and culture, PCR-based approaches are deemed more sensitive and suitable for detecting contaminants (133). However, despite their advantages, PCR-based methods also have potential drawbacks. For example, they can yield false-positive or false-negative results, have a limited scope of detection, and are expensive. Also, PCR conditions need to be carefully optimized to selectively target the bacterial species of interest, requiring technical expertise, training, and expensive equipment and materials (134).
There is a wealth of different universal primer sets described in the literature to detect the bacterial 16S rRNA-gene by PCR. A commonly used universal primer set to detect the bacterial 16S rRNA-gene is (133):
Forward: UniF: 5′-GTGSTGCAYGGYTGTCGTCA-3′
Reverse: UniR: 5′-ACGTCRTCCMCACCTTCCTC-3′
Interestingly, Fontaine et al. (2015) conducted a study comparing Gram-staining and culture to molecular PCR-based screening, concluding that none of the screening assays was able to detect fewer than 105 CFU/g of feces (88). Unlike the earlier study by Packey et al., they were able to quantify the limits of PCR detection and directly compare traditional and PCR-based screening methods (133). Therefore, the study concluded that both screening methods were suitable for detecting contamination, without a clear advantage of PCR-based methods over microscopic screening methods. The culturing method was found to be useful for rapidly detecting contamination, while PCR-based methods could be used to confirm the origin of contamination. However, many sterilized rodent diets may still contain small quantities of bacterial 16S rDNA, which hampers PCR-based detection of isolator contamination.
Taken together, Gram staining of fecal content and bacterial culture have remained proven methods for bacterial and fungal detection in germ-free facilities for over 80 years, while PCR-based approaches allow exact detection of specific and targeted bacterial species. In conclusion, it is advisable to use microbiological culturing methods for regular testing in germ-free isolators, while PCR-based screening assays can be employed to determine the specific species responsible for the contamination.
5.6 Serological testing
Serological testing is crucial in gnotobiotic facilities because some contaminants, like viruses, cannot be easily detected through traditional culturing methods. Monitoring for specific viruses such as mouse hepatic virus (MHV) and mouse parvovirus, as discussed in the study by Brielmeier et al., is essential (135). Parvoviruses, despite being highly contagious, may progress asymptomatically, making their detection challenging. MHV, on the other hand, can lead to respiratory and enteric diseases in mice (136, 137). Similarly, common murine viruses like Sendai virus (SV) and murine norovirus (MNV) can cause illnesses in mice and potentially influence research outcomes (138–140). Thus, diligent monitoring and testing for these contaminants are crucial for maintaining the health and reliability of experiments in gnotobiotic facilities. Viral contaminations can be detected using ELISA, immunofluorescence assay, or PCR.
5.7 Testing for fungal contamination
Fungal contamination is typically detected using culturing methods, which are time-consuming and can take from 5 days to 2 weeks. However, there are faster methods available for detecting fungal contamination. One such method involves using an electronic nose (e-nose), which can detect fungi even before their spores are recognizable. E-nose technology analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by fungi (141, 142). This technology, previously applied in food and medical diagnostics, can be valuable in gnotobiotic facilities.
Another rapid identification method involves matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), which allows for the targeted and quick identification of mycobacteria and molds. This technology has been developed and optimized over the last 35 years and is widely used in microbiology not only for detection, but also for precise identification of fungal and bacterial species (143). However, it is important to note that these advanced methods can be expensive in comparison to traditional culturing methods, which are easy to perform and do not require special materials or kits.
5.8 Experiences on testing protocol for bacterial and fungal contaminants
Protocol for a weekly sterility control of gnotobiotic isolators:
1. Place the sterile ICR swabs in the isolator transfer port, and spray them with germicide and incubate for 1 hour. After incubation, transfer the swab inside the isolator. Perform the swabbing as depicted in Figure 3A.
2. Collect 3 fecal pellets from 3 random cages and place them in autoclaved 2 ml reaction tubes (Figure 3B).
3. Transfer the ICR swabs and fecal samples outside the isolator and transport them immediately to the lab for further analysis.
4. Incubate the ICR swabs upright at 37°C for 3 days, with no shaking (Figure 3C).
5. In a sterile laminar flow hood, open the reaction tubes with fecal samples. Transfer the feces into 14 ml culture tubes, also adding one sterile stainless-steel bead (Figure 3D).
6. Add 5 ml of Brain-Heart (BH) Infusion medium to the samples and vigorously vortex for 5 minutes.
7. Prepare a negative control by adding 5 ml of BH medium to stored feces material from germ-free (GF) mice. Prepare a positive control by dissolving feces from CONV-R mice in 5 ml of BH medium.
8. After 2 minutes of incubation, apply 100 µl of supernatant to a blood agar plate containing 5% goat blood. Spread the sample evenly using a Drigalski spatula.
9. Incubate the blood agar plates upside down at 37°C for 5 days.
Figure 3 Sterility control of a gnotobiotic isolator. (A) ICR swab sampling: ICR swab was incubated with germicide for 1 hour in the isolator transfer port (1). Then, the swab was opened and used to sample the walls, gloves, and connecting parts of the isolator (2). Once the swab was placed into a tube, the reservoir containing the culture medium was squeezed to completely cover the swab (3) before transferring it out of the isolator (4). (B) Fecal samples: Fecal pellets were collected from 3 randomly chosen cages (1) and placed into a reaction tube (2). The tube was then transferred out of the isolator (3). (C) Incubation: ICR swabs were incubated at 37°C for 3 days. (D) Microbiological testing: The fecal samples were dissolved in culture medium by vortexing, incubated for 2 minutes, and applied to solid agar using a Drigalski spatula. Created with BioRender.com.
Evaluation:
1. Shake the ICR swabs before visual examination and documentation. Place them in a metal rack and document them as shown in Figure 4A. A photograph is taken with a suitable background and lighting conditions in the sterile laminar flow hood.
➢ Swabs in turbid medium should be considered positive.
2. Place the blood agar plates in the fume cupboard in an open position as depicted in Figure 4B.
➢ If bacterial colonies are visible on the surface of the blood agar plates, consider the corresponding isolator positive.
3. Enter results in a documentation sheet (Figure 4C)
Figure 4 Evaluation of sterility tests. (A) ICR swab turbidity test determines the positivity based on the presence of a turbid medium on the swab. (B) Blood agar plates contain positive controls (feces of CONV-R mice) and negative controls (BH medium). (C) A documentation sheet is provided for sterility testing.
In case of any detected contamination, repeat the sample examination to exclude false-positive outcomes caused by contamination during transportation or probe preparation.
6 Conclusions
Standardized fortnightly sterility testing of individual mouse isolator units is mandatory to ensure the germ-free status of axenic mouse colonies. Since diet is a possible source of 16S rRNA gene contaminants that do not necessarily stem from living microbes, but could be remainders of irradiation or heat-inactivated microbes, microbial culturing is essential and a more reliable method to detect possible contaminations of germ-free mouse colonies. Although some diets may allow for sterility controls based on the PCR amplification of conserved regions in the 16S rRNA gene using universal primers, ICR swabs and blood agar cultures are reliable sterility testing methods to monitor germ-free housing.
Author contributions
CR: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. OD: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MM: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. NP: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MK: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. ZG: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. NS: Writing – review & editing. AMe: Writing – review & editing. YB: Writing – review & editing. VR: Writing – review & editing. AMa: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. GP: Writing – review & editing. KK: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. MB: Writing – review & editing. LPG: Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung (grant number 2022.131.1 to CR); the BMBF Cluster4Future CurATime Grant (MicrobAIome, number 03ZU1202CA to CR); the Forschungsinitiative Rheinland-Pfalz and ReALity. CR was awarded a Fellowship from the Gutenberg Research College at Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz. KK is supported by the DZHK “Promotion of women scientists” Excellence Program and is a member of Young DZHK. CR is a DZHK Scientist and a PI at the BMBF Cluster4Future CurATime. The work of MB is funded by R01AI153613. ORCID 0000-0002-0696-2636.
Acknowledgments
CR is a member of the Center for Translational Vascular Biology (CTVB) and the Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI) at the University Medical Center Mainz. O.D., M.P.K., and ZG are enrolled in the Mainz Research School of Translational Biomedicine (TRANSMED). ZG is the recipient of a China Scholarship. Figures were created using BioRender.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Keywords: germ-free, gnotobiology, microbiota, isolator, sterility, contaminant, culture
Citation: Dremova O, Mimmler M, Paeslack N, Khuu MP, Gao Z, Bosmann M, Garo LP, Schön N, Mechler A, Beneich Y, Rebling V, Mann A, Pontarollo G, Kiouptsi K and Reinhardt C (2023) Sterility testing of germ-free mouse colonies. Front. Immunol. 14:1275109. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275109
Received: 09 August 2023; Accepted: 28 September 2023;
Published: 07 November 2023.
Edited by:
Qinglong Wu, International Flavors and Fragrances, United StatesReviewed by:
Luo Jia, Seres Therapeutics, United StatesRavi Verma, Baylor College of Medicine, United States
Copyright © 2023 Dremova, Mimmler, Paeslack, Khuu, Gao, Bosmann, Garo, Schön, Mechler, Beneich, Rebling, Mann, Pontarollo, Kiouptsi and Reinhardt. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Christoph Reinhardt, Christoph.Reinhardt@unimedizin-mainz.de
†These authors have contributed equally to this work