Protocol for inducing monomicrobial sepsis in mice with uropathogenic E. coli

Bacterial infections are the primary cause of pathogenic sepsis. An uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) model of monomicrobial sepsis represents a useful tool for interrogating the host immune response to this pathogen. Here, we present a protocol for inducing monomicrobial sepsis in mice using UPEC. We describe steps for preparing the bacteria, delivering UPEC into mice, and monitoring the mice post-infection. We then detail procedures for measuring cytokine response and detecting immune cell subsets using flow cytometry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Martin et al.¹