Infection Models and Imaging Techniques Used in Preclinical Studies

Öz YazışmaAdresi/AddressforCorres pondence Dr. Aziz Gültekin, Pamukkale Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Nükleer Tıp Anabilim Dalı, Denizli, Türkiye E-posta: agultekin@pau.edu.tr ORCIDID:orcid.org/0000-0002-0311-8077 Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death in developing countries. Preclinical studies are carried out with small experimental animals in order to understand the pathophysiology of the infection, to treat it correctly, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. In these studies, various infection models are created and displayed by appropriate methods. Molecular imaging methods used in research of infectious diseases, are frequently used together with anatomical imaging methods. Hybrid imaging methods single photon emission computerized tomography/ computerized tomography (SPECT/CT), positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT), PET/ magnetic resonance imaging have been used frequently in small animal models, especially to present anatomical and functional imaging. In addition, bioluminescence imaging was also used. Anatomic imaging modalities are generally insufficient to follow the pathophysiological process as they show morphological changes secondary to infection. Recent advances in imaging technology and the discovery of new radiolabelled molecules used in molecular imaging have opened up new horizons for infection imaging. These developments will bring forth personalized treatments against the infectious agent in the future and the treatment processes can be followed up with imaging methods.