High-throughput screening for novel anti-infectives using a C. elegans pathogenesis model

Abstract

In recent history, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has provided a compelling platform for the discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs. In this protocol, we present an automated, high-throughput C. elegans pathogenesis assay, which can be used to screen for anti-infective compounds that prevent nematodes from dying due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. New antibiotics identified from such screens would be promising candidates for treatment of human infections, and also can be used as probe compounds to identify novel targets in microbial pathogenesis or host immunity.

Keywords: Caenorhabditis elegans; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; antibiotic; antimicrobial; drug discovery; high-throughput screening; liquid killing; pathogenesis model.