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Experimental infection with Scedosporium inflatum
1Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Tarragona, Spain.
Summary
Scedosporium inflatum and Scedosporium apiospermum target kidneys and brains in mice. S. inflatum proved more virulent, especially in immunosuppressed hosts, causing higher mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Scedosporium species are opportunistic fungi causing infections in humans.
- Understanding their pathogenicity is crucial for diagnosing and treating infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the experimental pathogenicity of Scedosporium inflatum and Scedosporium apiospermum in mice.
- To investigate the tropism and histopathological effects of these fungi in different organs.
- To compare the virulence of S. inflatum and S. apiospermum, particularly in immunosuppressed models.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal and intravenous inoculation of Scedosporium isolates into normal and immunosuppressed mice (cortisone acetate).
- Histopathological examination of kidneys and brains to assess tissue damage and fungal tropism.
- Mortality rates were recorded and compared between fungal species, inoculation routes, and host immune status.
Main Results:
- Both Scedosporium species demonstrated tropism for the kidney and brain.
- Kidney infections presented as abscesses, progressing from glomerular to renal pelvis.
- Brain infections led to necrosis, neurological disorders, including seizures and stiff neck.
- Scedosporium inflatum exhibited higher virulence (45% mortality) than Scedosporium apiospermum (16% mortality).
- Immunosuppression significantly increased mortality in S. inflatum infections but not in S. apiospermum infections.
Conclusions:
- Scedosporium inflatum and Scedosporium apiospermum can cause severe infections targeting the kidney and brain.
- S. inflatum is more virulent than S. apiospermum, with immunosuppression exacerbating its pathogenicity.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering Scedosporium species in the differential diagnosis of infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.