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Effects of iron and desferrioxamine on Rhizopus infection
1Department of Pathology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
Abstract:
To investigate the association among iron, desferrioxamine, and a Rhizopus infection, the influence of iron and/or desferrioxamine on experimental mucormycosis in mice was examined. All mice pretreated with iron, desferrioxamine, or a combination of iron and desferrioxamine died within 5 days after the inoculation of R. oryzae. In the mice fungal lesions were observed in the brain which resembled human cerebral mucormycosis. By contrast, the mortality in the control mice with R. oryzae was 20% through the 3-week experimental period. Therefore, it was demonstrated that iron as well as desferrioxamine administration markedly promotes the growth of R. oryzae. The increased susceptibility to R. oryzae was considered to be due to increased serum iron in the animals pretreated with iron only; however, pretreatment with desferrioxamine did not affect the amount of serum ion. Thus, the data suggest that desferrioxamine acts as a siderophore to R. oryzae and exerts an adverse effect on mucormycosis. This study has shown that the presence of iron and desferrioxamine enhances the virulence and pathogenicity of R. oryzae by serving as a growth factor.
Insights
Iron and desferrioxamine significantly worsen Rhizopus oryzae infections in mice, leading to rapid mortality. Desferrioxamine acts as a siderophore, enhancing fungal growth and pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection, often associated with immunocompromised individuals.
- Iron overload and chelation therapy are known risk factors for opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of iron and desferrioxamine on Rhizopus oryzae infection.
- To elucidate the role of desferrioxamine as a potential siderophore in mucormycosis.
Main Methods:
- Experimental mucormycosis was induced in mice by inoculating Rhizopus oryzae.
- Mice were pretreated with iron, desferrioxamine, or a combination of both.
- Mortality rates and fungal lesion development in the brain were assessed.
Main Results:
- All mice pretreated with iron, desferrioxamine, or both died within 5 days post-inoculation.
- Control mice showed a 20% mortality rate over a 3-week period.
- Brain lesions in infected mice mimicked human cerebral mucormycosis.
Conclusions:
- Iron and desferrioxamine administration markedly promote Rhizopus oryzae growth and virulence.
- Desferrioxamine acts as a siderophore for R. oryzae, increasing susceptibility.
- Combined iron and desferrioxamine enhance fungal pathogenicity, posing a significant risk.