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[Asteroid bodies: host-pathogen reactions in mycoses]
1Sektion Mykologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Universität Freiburg i. Br., Germany.
Abstract:
A review of the literature on asteroid bodies (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon) as well as an immunoelectronmicroscopic study on asteroid bodies with Candida albicans and electronmicroscopic observations on asteroid bodies with Aspergillus are presented. The following definitions are proposed: Asteroid bodies with Candida albicans: precipitate consisting of fungal antigen and antibodies of host origin in light microscopically visible dimension deposited on the cell wall surface of Candida cells in parasitic condition. Asteroid bodies with Aspergillus: precipitate consisting of fungal antigen, antibodies of host origin and necrotic cellular detritus originated from cells of host defense, in light microscopically visible dimension, deposited on the cell wall surface of abortive Aspergillus cells, reduced in longitudinal growth, in parasitic condition.
Insights
Asteroid bodies, linked to the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, are characterized by fungal antigens and host antibodies. New definitions clarify their composition with Candida albicans and Aspergillus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Asteroid bodies are eosinophilic inclusions observed in various parasitic and fungal infections.
- The Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon describes the characteristic reaction pattern around certain helminthic and fungal parasites.
- Previous literature lacks precise definitions for asteroid bodies associated with specific fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on asteroid bodies and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon.
- To present novel immunoelectronmicroscopic and electronmicroscopic findings on asteroid bodies associated with Candida albicans and Aspergillus.
- To propose precise definitions for asteroid bodies in the context of these fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on asteroid bodies and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon.
- Immunoelectronmicroscopy of asteroid bodies with Candida albicans.
- Electronmicroscopy of asteroid bodies with Aspergillus.
Main Results:
- Asteroid bodies with Candida albicans consist of fungal antigen and host antibodies.
- Asteroid bodies with Aspergillus comprise fungal antigen, host antibodies, and necrotic host cellular debris.
- These precipitates are deposited on the surface of parasitic fungal cells.
Conclusions:
- Proposed definitions for asteroid bodies associated with Candida albicans and Aspergillus provide clarity.
- These findings enhance understanding of the host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections.
- The study contributes to the histopathological characterization of Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon in mycoses.