[Asteroid bodies: host-pathogen reactions in mycoses].

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.