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Genetic susceptibility to vaginal candidiasis.
L Calderon1, R Williams, M Martinez
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128-2699, USA.
Medical Mycology
|September 11, 2003
Summary
Mouse strain CD-1 exhibits significant resistance to vaginal candidiasis, unlike most inbred strains. This resistance may be linked to estrogen insensitivity, offering insights into host defense mechanisms against Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Vaginal candidiasis is a common infection requiring understanding of host resistance factors.
- Mouse models are crucial for studying host-pathogen interactions and developing therapies.
- Estradiol influences vaginal environment and susceptibility to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate susceptibility of different inbred and outbred mouse strains to vaginal candidiasis.
- To identify mouse models for future studies on host resistance and therapeutic strategies.
- To investigate the role of estrogen sensitivity in vaginal candidiasis susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered estradiol and challenged intravaginally with Candida albicans.
- Infection levels were quantified using colony-forming units (cfu) on days 1 and 6 post-challenge.
- Susceptibility was assessed by comparing cfu levels between day 1 and day 6.
Main Results:
- CD-1 outbred mice showed marked resistance (74-87 fold decrease in cfu).
- BALB/c and most other inbred strains (DBA/2, AKR/J, C57BL/6) were susceptible.
- Susceptibility was independent of H2 haplotype and supplier, but strain- and route-specific.
Conclusions:
- Mouse strain CD-1 demonstrates significant resistance to vaginal candidiasis, potentially due to estrogen insensitivity.
- This resistance is specific to the vaginal challenge route, differing from other Candida albicans models.
- CD-1 mice offer a valuable model for studying estrogen's role in host defense against vaginal infections.