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Published on: February 15, 2011
Humoral response to experimental petriellidiosis
Abstract:
The humoral antibody response elicited by experimental infection with Petriellidium boydii and Monosporium apiospermum was studied. The variables of fungus strain, route of inoculation, and concentration of inoculum were examined. Viable spores from three strains of P. boydii and from three strains of M. apiospermum were inoculated intravenously into mice. Serum specimens were tested for antibody by the microtiter indirect hemagglutination assay. At 4 weeks after infection, the percentage of positive specimens among survivortically related either to the incidence of positive specimens or to the magnitude of the humoral response. Mice inoculated by either the subcutaneous or the intramuscular route with viable or killed spores from M. apiospermum 813 developed antibody. The mean antibody titer was greater in those animals receiving viable spores, and the magnitude of the humoral response was dose dependent. Animals inoculated intravenously with comparable inocula of the same strain developed similar levels of antibody. However, cultural studies of infected mice showed chronic infection only after intravenous inoculation. The kidney was the organ most consistently involved.
Insights
This study investigated the antibody response to Petriellidium boydii and Monosporium apiospermum infections in mice. Intravenous inoculation with viable spores led to chronic kidney infections and a dose-dependent antibody response.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Petriellidium boydii and Monosporium apiospermum are fungi that can cause infections in humans.
- Understanding the host's immune response is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the humoral antibody response to experimental infections with P. boydii and M. apiospermum.
- To examine the influence of fungal strain, inoculation route, and inoculum concentration on the immune response.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated intravenously with viable spores from different strains of P. boydii and M. apiospermum.
- Serum antibody levels were measured using the microtiter indirect hemagglutination assay at 4 weeks post-infection.
- Infection incidence and antibody titers were correlated with experimental variables.
Main Results:
- Antibody production was observed in mice infected with M. apiospermum via subcutaneous or intramuscular routes.
- Higher antibody titers were associated with viable spores and increased inoculum concentration (dose-dependent).
- Intravenous inoculation with comparable inocula resulted in similar antibody levels and was the only route leading to chronic kidney infections.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates a measurable humoral antibody response to P. boydii and M. apiospermum infections.
- Intravenous inoculation is more effective in establishing chronic infections, particularly in the kidney.
- The magnitude of the antibody response is influenced by the viability and concentration of the fungal inoculum.
