Rat Models of Infectious Disease

The rat is a commonly used model for infectious disease research based on its size, which facilitates instrumentation and serial sampling, and its physiologic responses that are frequently representative of human physiology. In addition to Rattus norvegicus, cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) and marsh rice rats (Oryzomys palustris) have been used to model certain infectious conditions. Future advances in infectious disease modeling may include greater use of genetically manipulated rats to better reflect human genetic susceptibilities or to experimentally manipulate particular aspects of infectious disease pathogenesis.