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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
A Catheter-Related Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Published on: March 22, 2024
The contribution of mouse models to our understanding of systemic candidiasis
Edina K Szabo1, Donna M MacCallum
1Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, UK.
Abstract:
Some Candida species are common commensals, which can become opportunistic pathogens in susceptible hosts. In severely ill patients, Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, can cause life-threatening systemic infections. These infections are difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are similar to those of systemic bacterial infections. These difficulties can lead to delays in initiation in antifungal therapy, which contributes to the high mortality rates (> 40%) associated with these infections. In order to investigate systemic Candida infection, mouse models have been developed that mimic human disease, the most common being the intravenous infection model and the gastrointestinal colonization and dissemination model. This review discusses the two models and the contributions that they have made to our understanding of fungal virulence, host response to infection and the development of novel antifungal therapies and diagnostics.
Insights
Systemic Candida infections in severely ill patients are life-threatening and difficult to diagnose. Mouse models are crucial for understanding fungal virulence and developing new antifungal treatments and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Candida species are commensals that can cause opportunistic infections, especially in severely ill patients.
- Systemic Candida infections, particularly from Candida albicans, lead to high mortality rates (>40%) due to diagnostic challenges and delayed antifungal therapy.
- Current diagnostic methods for systemic fungal infections are insufficient, mirroring bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of mouse models in studying systemic Candida infections.
- To highlight the contributions of these models to understanding fungal virulence and host responses.
- To discuss the role of mouse models in developing novel antifungal therapies and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on systemic Candida infection mouse models.
- Focus on two common models: intravenous infection and gastrointestinal colonization/dissemination.
- Analysis of how these models inform research on fungal pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Mouse models effectively mimic human systemic Candida infections.
- These models have advanced the understanding of Candida virulence factors.
- Research using these models has contributed to the development of new antifungal strategies.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are essential tools for investigating systemic Candida infections.
- Continued use of these models is vital for improving diagnostics and antifungal therapies.
- Further research using these models can help reduce mortality associated with invasive fungal infections.
