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Imaging Candida Infections in the Host

Dhammika H Navarathna1, David D Roberts2, Jeeva Munasinghe3

  • 1Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

New imaging techniques can noninvasively detect Candida fungal infections in the kidneys and brain. These methods assess phagocyte recruitment and blood-brain barrier function, aiding in managing disseminated candidemia and related organ damage.

Area of Science:

  • Medical imaging
  • Mycology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Disseminated fungal infections by Candida species target specific organs, including kidneys and brain.
  • Candida albicans kidney invasion can cause renal dysfunction and death.
  • Brain colonization by Candida can lead to meningoencephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop noninvasive imaging methods for assessing Candida infections in target organs.
  • To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting kidney inflammation and phagocyte recruitment.
  • To assess blood-brain barrier integrity in cases of brain candidiasis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized iron oxide-based contrast agents for MRI to visualize phagocyte recruitment in kidneys.
  • Employed advanced imaging techniques to evaluate blood-brain barrier function.
  • Focused on noninvasive assessment of Candida albicans infections in murine models.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated MRI's capability to noninvasively assess kidney inflammation and phagocyte infiltration during Candida infections.
  • Showcased imaging methods for detecting blood-brain barrier disruptions associated with brain candidiasis.
  • Provided a foundation for monitoring disseminated candidemia in target organs.

Conclusions:

  • Noninvasive imaging methods, particularly MRI, are effective for assessing Candida infections in the kidneys.
  • Imaging can evaluate critical aspects of brain candidiasis, such as blood-brain barrier integrity.
  • These advancements offer potential for improved management of disseminated candidiasis.
Keywords:
Blood–brain barrierBrainCandida albicansInflammationKidneyMagnetic resonance imagingNoninvasive imagingPhagocytes

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