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Candida albicans strain-dependent virulence and Rim13p-mediated filamentation in experimental keratomycosis

Bradley M Mitchell1, Tzu G Wu, Beth E Jackson

  • 1Sid W. Richardson Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|January 26, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Wild-type Candida albicans strains vary in virulence, with filamentation being key to corneal infection. A specific gene mutation (rim13) fully blocked virulence, highlighting its role in fungal eye infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Candida albicans is a common cause of fungal keratitis.
  • Fungal filamentation is a proposed virulence factor in C. albicans infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Compare virulence of wild-type C. albicans strains in a murine corneal infection model.
  • Investigate the role of fungal filamentation in disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • BALB/c mice (immunocompetent and immunosuppressed) were inoculated with C. albicans strains or mutants.
  • Corneal disease was assessed daily; fungal load and histopathology were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in corneal disease severity were observed among wild-type strains.
  • A rim13 mutant was fully attenuated, while a control mutant was virulent.
  • Cyclophosphamide treatment increased susceptibility and partially rescued the rim13 mutant phenotype.

Conclusions:

  • Ocular pathogenicity of C. albicans strains correlates with pseudohyphae/hyphae production and corneal invasion.
  • The rim13 gene is a specific virulence factor for C. albicans in corneal infections, demonstrated by the mutant's attenuation.

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