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The Galleria mellonella Waxworm Infection Model for Disseminated Candidiasis
Published on: November 17, 2018
Galleria mellonella: An invertebrate model to study pathogenicity in correctly defined fungal species
Ulrike Binder1, Elisabeth Maurer1, Cornelia Lass-Flörl1
1Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, A-6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria.
Abstract:
The high mortality rates and economic burden associated with fungal infections, plus the emergence of fungal strains resistant to antifungal drugs, make it necessary to get a deeper understanding of fungal pathogenesis, as well as to identify new target structures for antifungal drug development. Still, murine models are considered as the gold standard for studying pathogenesis, quantifying virulence, and analysing the efficacy of antifungal drugs. However, invertebrates, such as the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, are promising alternative hosts to address some of these questions, especially when a large number of fungal strains need to be evaluated. The purpose of this review is to summarize the benefits and drawbacks, explain the utilization of the invertebrate model host G. mellonella, and compare the virulence potential of the most important human fungal pathogens, with the focus on different virulence potential of closely related species.
Insights
The greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) offers a valuable invertebrate model for studying fungal infections and identifying new antifungal drug targets, complementing traditional animal models.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Fungal infections cause high mortality and economic losses.
- Emerging drug-resistant fungal strains necessitate new antifungal strategies.
- Understanding fungal pathogenesis is crucial for developing novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) as an invertebrate model host for fungal research.
- To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using G. mellonella in studying fungal pathogenesis and virulence.
- To compare the virulence of key human fungal pathogens using this model.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies utilizing Galleria mellonella for fungal infection research.
- Analysis of G. mellonella as an alternative to murine models for antifungal drug screening and virulence assessment.
- Comparative analysis of fungal pathogen virulence data obtained from G. mellonella models.
Main Results:
- The G. mellonella model provides a cost-effective and high-throughput method for evaluating fungal strain virulence.
- It allows for the assessment of antifungal efficacy against a broad range of fungal pathogens.
- The model highlights variations in virulence potential among different fungal species and strains.
Conclusions:
- Galleria mellonella serves as a practical and informative invertebrate model for fungal pathogenesis research.
- This model aids in the discovery of new antifungal targets and the evaluation of drug candidates.
- It offers a complementary approach to traditional methods, enhancing the study of fungal infections.
