Intradermal Immunization with Live Attenuated Sporozoites in a Mouse Model

Before injecting the sporozoites, confirm the proper level of sedation of the experimental animal by toe pinch, and apply eye ointment to prevent corneal drying. Then, working quickly, use clear tape to gently fix the ventral side of the ear pinna under a stereomicroscope, and load a 10-microliter syringe equipped with a 35-gauge needle with 0.6 microliters of resuspended parasites.

Next, carefully insert the needle, bevel side up, beneath the epidermis on the dorsal side of the ear, and inject 0.15 microliters of sporozoites into the site. A characteristic papule will be observed at the injection site. After injecting the dermis three more times as just demonstrated, carefully remove the tape and monitor the mouse until it is fully recovered.