Animal models for the treatment of bacterial keratitis

Abstract Rabbit models of bacterial keratitis have been used to evaluate the efficacy of anti‐infectives in the clinical treatment of bacterial keratitis. These models can determine: 1) ocular toxicity and tolerance of anti‐infectives to ocular tissue, 2) penetration of anti‐infectives into the cornea, and 3) anti‐bacterial efficacy of the anti‐infectives to corneal bacterial pathogens. The current presentation will cover the structure and limitations of rabbit bacterial keratitis modeling using published data. Topics will include statistical design, the choice of bacterial pathogens, and positive aspects for possible systemic anti‐infective development.