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Candida albicans infections in renal transplant recipients: effect of caspofungin on polymorphonuclear cells

Valeria Allizond1, Giuliana Banche, Franca Giacchino

  • 1Department of Public Health and Microbiology, Microbiology Section, University of Turin, Via Santena 9, 10126 Turin, Italy.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|October 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Caspofungin enhances immune cell activity in renal transplant recipients, improving their ability to fight Candida albicans. This suggests caspofungin is effective for invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Mycology
  • Transplantation

Background:

  • Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) often have impaired immune function, increasing susceptibility to fungal infections like invasive candidiasis.
  • Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) are crucial for combating fungal pathogens, but their function can be compromised in RTRs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the immunomodulating effects of caspofungin on PMNs from RTRs versus healthy subjects (HSs) against Candida albicans.
  • To assess the efficacy of caspofungin in restoring fungicidal activity in RTR PMNs.

Main Methods:

  • Collected PMNs from RTRs and HSs.
  • Assessed fungicidal activity against Candida albicans with and without caspofungin.
  • Compared killing rates between the two groups.

Main Results:

  • RTR PMNs exhibited significantly reduced fungicidal activity compared to HS PMNs.
  • Caspofungin addition significantly enhanced the intracellular killing rate of Candida albicans by RTR PMNs.
  • Restored RTR PMN fungicidal activity reached levels comparable to those of HS PMNs.

Conclusions:

  • Caspofungin demonstrates potent immunomodulating activity, restoring impaired PMN function in RTRs.
  • The findings support the suitability of caspofungin for treating invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised patients, including RTRs.

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