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Modeling Candida auris Colonization on Porcine Skin Ex Vivo
Chad J Johnson1, J Z Alex Cheong1,2, Dhanansayan Shanmuganayagam3,4,5
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Abstract:
Candida auris spreads person to person in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The heightened capacity for C. auris to colonize skin contributes to the difficulty in eradicating this drug-resistant and deadly pathogen in nosocomial settings. Models for the study of C. auris skin colonization are critical for understanding this virulence trait. In light of the similarities between the skin properties of humans and pigs, pigs represent an ideal model for the investigation of skin-C. auris interactions. Here, we describe how to utilize porcine skin for ex vivo studies of C. auris colonization.
Insights
Candida auris (C. auris) is a dangerous pathogen spreading in healthcare settings. This study introduces porcine skin as an effective ex vivo model to investigate C. auris skin colonization and combat its spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Candida auris (C. auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen causing nosocomial infections.
- C. auris colonization of human skin is a key factor in its transmission within healthcare environments.
- Effective models are needed to study C. auris skin interactions and develop control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate porcine skin as an ex vivo model for studying Candida auris skin colonization.
- To provide a methodology for utilizing porcine skin in C. auris research.
- To facilitate a better understanding of C. auris virulence factors related to skin interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ex vivo porcine skin explants.
- Inoculating porcine skin with Candida auris.
- Assessing C. auris colonization on the skin surface and within skin layers.
- Microscopic and culture-based analysis of fungal burden.
Main Results:
- Porcine skin effectively supports Candida auris colonization.
- The ex vivo model allows for reproducible assessment of C. auris skin interactions.
- Demonstrated feasibility of using porcine skin to study C. auris adherence and persistence.
Conclusions:
- Ex vivo porcine skin is a suitable and valuable model for investigating Candida auris skin colonization.
- This model can aid in understanding C. auris virulence and developing interventions against nosocomial spread.
- Further research using this model can inform strategies to control C. auris infections in clinical settings.
