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Updated: Sep 25, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Use of DBA/2N mice in models of systemic candidiasis and pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis
R F Hector1, E Yee, M S Collins
1Cutter Biological, Berkeley, California 94710.
Abstract:
Mouse models of systemic candidiasis and pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis were established by using DBA/2N mice, which are known to be deficient in the C5 component of complement. In experiments comparing lethality in the respective models in DBA/2N versus outbred CFW mice, results showed that the 50% lethal dose values for the DBA/2N mice were 10- to 1,000-fold lower than those for the outbred mice, depending on the experiment. Additionally, onset of death was somewhat delayed for the DBA/2N mice. In the case of the pulmonary aspergillosis model, administration of cortisone acetate was necessary to ensure lethality after intranasal infection, but only a single dose was necessary.
Insights
Mice lacking complement component 5 (C5) showed increased susceptibility to fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis. These DBA/2N mice had significantly lower lethal doses, highlighting C5
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
Background:
- Systemic candidiasis and aspergillosis are serious fungal infections.
- Complement component 5 (C5) plays a crucial role in the immune response.
- DBA/2N mice are genetically deficient in C5.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate mouse models for systemic candidiasis and pulmonary/systemic aspergillosis.
- To compare the lethality of these infections in C5-deficient DBA/2N mice versus normal outbred CFW mice.
- To investigate the role of C5 in host defense against invasive fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of systemic candidiasis and pulmonary/systemic aspergillosis models in DBA/2N mice.
- Comparison of 50% lethal dose (LD50) values between DBA/2N and CFW mice.
- Intranasal infection with Aspergillus fumigatus in cortisone acetate-treated DBA/2N mice for pulmonary aspergillosis model.
Main Results:
- DBA/2N mice exhibited 10- to 1,000-fold lower LD50 values compared to CFW mice across infection models.
- Onset of death was slightly delayed in DBA/2N mice.
- A single dose of cortisone acetate was sufficient to ensure lethality in the pulmonary aspergillosis model.
Conclusions:
- C5 deficiency significantly increases susceptibility to systemic candidiasis and aspergillosis in mice.
- DBA/2N mice serve as a valuable model for studying the role of C5 in fungal immunity.
- These findings underscore the importance of the complement system in controlling invasive fungal infections.
