Experimental in Vivo Models of Candidiasis

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Models in Research

Background:

• Candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by Candida species, presents diverse clinical forms, including mucosal-cutaneous, visceral, and disseminated infections.
• Candida bloodstream infections are prevalent in immunocompromised patients, and vaginal candidiasis is a common condition.
• Understanding candidiasis pathogenesis and developing effective treatments are crucial due to its significant public health impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate various experimental in vivo models for studying candidiasis.
• To assess the utility of different animal models in mimicking human candidiasis clinical scenarios.
• To highlight the application of these models in antifungal drug assessment, vaccine development, virulence factor exploration, and pathogenicity comparisons.

Main Methods:

• Review of published studies on experimental in vivo models of candidiasis.
• Inclusion of models using mammals (mice, rats, rabbits), Drosophila melanogaster, Galleria mellonella larvae, and Caenorhabditis elegans.
• Description of candidiasis induction methods and model validity in mimicking human disease.

Main Results:

• Various animal models, including invertebrates, can effectively mimic different forms of human candidiasis.
• These models are valuable for assessing antifungal drug efficacy and evaluating vaccine candidates.
• Models facilitate the study of Candida virulence factors and comparative pathogenicity.

Conclusions:

• Experimental in vivo models are indispensable tools for advancing candidiasis research.
• The reviewed models offer diverse platforms for investigating pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention strategies for Candida infections.
• Continued use and refinement of these models will accelerate the development of novel therapies and preventative measures against candidiasis.