ETEC Colonization Model in Mice

The streptomycin water ETEC colonization model was carried out as described previously [29 (link)]. Female CD1 mice aged 7–9 weeks from Charles River Laboratories were used for the ETEC colonization model. Upon arrival, mice were allowed to adapt to their housing for a minimum of 72 h before experimental intervention. Streptomycin (5 g/L) was provided in the drinking water 48 h before infection and withdrawn 24 h later. Food was withdrawn 18 h before infection. Cimetidine (1.0 mg) was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before infection. Deferoxamine-treated mice were given 0.6 mg deferoxamine orally 24 h before infection and again immediately before infection. Mice were orally infected with 10⁸ CFU of appropriate inoculum strain. Weight change and fecal shedding of bacteria were monitored daily.