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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.25.714167

Does Infection Progression of Mycobacterium abscessus Depend on Sex, Age, and Mouse strain?

Rima, M.·Chauffour, A.·Tournebize, R.·Poignon, C.·Coradin, T.·Aubry, A.·Veziris, N.
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Abstract

The lack of a reliable chronic murine model limits drugs evaluation against Mycobacterium abscessus. Models show discrepancies, especially regarding host factors (mouse strain, sex and age). Using beads-model, we compared BALB/cJRJ and C57BL/6NCrl across sexes and ages. BALB/cJRJ showed more sustained infection and lower variability, with no significant sex- or age-related differences. Considering these results and the higher prevalence of NTM pulmonary infections in female patients, 5-6 weeks-old female BALB/cJRJ are appropriate for M. abscessus beads-model.

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Rima, M., Chauffour, A., Tournebize, R., Poignon, C., Coradin, T., Aubry, A., Veziris, N.. 2026-03-30. Does Infection Progression of Mycobacterium abscessus Depend on Sex, Age, and Mouse strain?. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.25.714167

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