Investigating bacterial dynamics within the infected host has proved very useful for understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis. Here we present the protocols we use to study bacterial dynamics within infected embryonic zebrafish. This chapter encompasses basic techniques used to study bacterial infection within larval zebrafish, including embryonic zebrafish maintenance, injections of morpholino oligonucleotides, intravenous injections of bacterial suspensions, and fluorescence imaging of infected zebrafish. Specific methods for studying bacterial within-host population dynamics are also described.
Keywords: Bacterial population dynamics; Fluorescence microscopy; Infection; Zebrafish.