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In vivo pathogenicity of eight medically relevant Candida species in an animal model
M Arendrup1, T Horn, N Frimodt-Møller
1Dept. of Mycology, Building 43/405A, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S. Denmark. mad@ssi.dk
Background:
The relative pathogenicity of eight medically important Candida species was investigated in a mouse model.
Materials And Methods:
Seventeen isolates were included; two isolates of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida kefyr and Candida guilliermondii and three Candida krusei isolates. Mice in groups of three or four were inoculated with 10(5) and 10(7) CFU, respectively. On days 2 and 7 kidneys were removed, weighed and CFU/g kidney determined by the spot technique.
Results:
Mortality was only observed in mice inoculated with C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Inoculated with 10(7) CFU C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. guilliermondii the median log CFU/g kidney was significantly different: 6.0, 6.0, 6.4, 7.0, 3.7, < 2 and < 2 respectively (p < 0.0001). Eye infection and histological changes of kidneys were examined for C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and C. krusei-infected mice. Weight loss, kidney weight, inflammation and infection and number of eyes infected decreased with the pathogenicity of the four species.
Conclusion:
The virulence was highly different, illustrated by a 7-log difference in CFU/g kidney, a span of 0-100% mortality and histological changes in kidneys ranging from discrete to serious. The species could be divided into three groups with decreasing virulence: 1) C. albicans and C. tropicalis, 2) C. glabrata, C. kefyr and C. lusitaniae and 3) C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. guilliermondii. To our knowledge this is the first study with a simultaneous comparison of all eight species in an immunocompetent animal model.
Insights
This study compared the pathogenicity of eight Candida species in mice, finding significant differences in virulence and mortality. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were most virulent, while Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Candida guilliermondii were least virulent.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Eight medically important Candida species were evaluated for their relative pathogenicity.
- Understanding Candida virulence is crucial for clinical management and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenicity of eight Candida species using a standardized mouse model.
- To establish a virulence hierarchy among common Candida pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen isolates from eight Candida species were used.
- Mice were inoculated with two different concentrations (10^5 and 10^7 CFU) of Candida isolates.
- Kidney fungal burden (CFU/g) was determined on days 2 and 7 post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Mortality was observed only with Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis infections.
- Significant differences in kidney fungal burden were found across species (p < 0.0001).
- Pathogenicity correlated with weight loss, kidney weight, inflammation, and eye infection rates.
Conclusions:
- Candida species exhibit a wide range of virulence, with distinct differences in mortality and organ burden.
- The species were categorized into three virulence groups: high (C. albicans, C. tropicalis), medium (C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. lusitaniae), and low (C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii).
- This is the first study to simultaneously compare the pathogenicity of these eight Candida species in an immunocompetent animal model.