Diabetes mellitus increases the susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis in mice
Aldo Francisco Neto1, Paulo Ricardo Dell'Armelina Rocha1, Elizabeth Christina Perez1
1Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brasil.
Abstract:
Microsporidiosis are diseases caused by opportunistic intracellular fungi in immunosuppressed individuals, as well as in transplanted patients, the elderly and children, among others. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and decreased T cell response, neutrophil function, humoral immunity failure, increasing the susceptibility to infections. Here, we investigated the susceptibility of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic and/or immunosuppressed mice to encephalitozoonosis by Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Microscopically, granulomatous hepatitis, interstitial pneumonia and pielonephritis were observed in all infected groups. STZ treatment induced an immunossupressor effect in the populations of B (B-1 and B2) and CD4+ T lymphocytes. Moreover, infection decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages of DM mice. Furthermore, infection induced a significant increase of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokine serum levels in DM mice. IFN-γ, the most important cytokine for the resolution of encephalitozoonosis, increased only in infected mice. In addition to the decreased immune response, DM mice were more susceptible to encephalitozoonosis, associated with increased fungal burden, and symptoms. Additionally, cyclophosphamide immunosuppression in DM mice further increased the susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis. Thus, microsporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of comorbidities in diabetics.
Insights
Diabetes and immunosuppression increase susceptibility to microsporidiosis, a fungal infection. Diabetic mice showed a weaker immune response and higher fungal burden, highlighting the need to consider microsporidiosis in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidiosis is caused by opportunistic fungi affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs immune function, increasing infection susceptibility.
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a common microsporidian parasite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of diabetic and/or immunosuppressed mice to Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection.
- To evaluate the impact of diabetes and immunosuppression on immune responses and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Induction of type I diabetes using streptozotocin (STZ) in mice.
- Experimental infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
- Assessment of immune cell populations (B lymphocytes, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, macrophages).
- Measurement of cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ).
- Histopathological examination of organs (liver, lungs, kidneys).
Main Results:
- STZ-induced diabetes suppressed B and CD4+ T lymphocyte populations.
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection decreased CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and macrophages in diabetic mice.
- Diabetic mice exhibited increased IL-6 and TNF-α, but not IFN-γ, levels.
- Increased fungal burden and disease severity were observed in diabetic mice.
- Combined diabetes and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression exacerbated susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes mellitus compromises immune defenses, increasing susceptibility to microsporidiosis.
- Microsporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infections in diabetic patients.
- The interplay between diabetes, immunosuppression, and opportunistic infections warrants further investigation.
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