The Effects of Sex and Strain on Pneumocystis murina Fungal Burdens in Mice

Abstract

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.\n\nMethodsPer this mandate, we examined the lung burdens of Pneumocystis murina infection in 3 mouse strains in both male and female animals at early, mid and late time points.\n\nResultsFemales in each strain had higher infection burdens compared to males at the later time points.\n\nConclusionFemales should be included in experimental models studying Pneumocystis.