A ligated intestinal loop mouse model protocol to study the interactions of Clostridioides difficile spores with the intestinal mucosa during aging

Abstract

The interaction of the Clostridioides difficile spores with the intestinal mucosa contribute to the persistence and recurrence of the infection. Advanced age is one of the main risk factors to manifest C. difficile infection and recurrence. However, the interaction of C. difficile spores with the intestinal mucosa during aging has not been evaluated. In the present work, we provide a detailed protocol with all the critical information to perform an intestinal ligated loop. Using this technique in a mouse model, we evaluated C. difficile spore adherence and internalization to the ileum and colonic mucosa during aging. Consequently, our data suggest that spore internalization in the ileum and colonic mucosa is higher in elderly than in adults or young mice. Also, our data suggest that spore-adherence to the ileum and colonic mucosa decreases with aging.