ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance and utility of experimental animal models of invasive fungal infections, and their role in drug development. The standard approach to drug discovery begins with initial in vitro laboratory tests (e.g., susceptibility testing). Once a novel drug has proven to show efficacy in vitro, the next step is to demonstrate its ability to retain that efficacy in an in vivo setting. In addition to this, the animal model plays a pivotal role in predicting the toxicity of novel compounds prior to introduction into humans. Herein, we provide a clear and concise description of the experimental procedures for some of the most well-known and characterized animal models of fungal infection to date, as well as the central part they play in drug development.
