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Candida tropicalis infection in normal, diabetic, and neutropenic mice
Abstract:
Opportunistic infections caused by Candida tropicalis have been noted with increasing frequency in compromised patients. The pathogenicity of three isolates of C. tropicalis was studied in normal CD-1 mice, streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenic mice. Lethal dose 50% endpoints and quantitative distribution of yeast cells in spleen, liver, and kidneys of mice infected intravenously were determined. The virulence of one yeast isolate was greater than that of the other two. The order of susceptibility to mortality and degree of organ colonization was neutropenic greater than diabetic greater than normal. Renal lesions resembling those associated with infection by C. albicans appeared by day 5 postinfection in diabetic and neutropenic mice. Greater numbers of C. tropicalis yeast cells were isolated from homogenates of the affected kidneys, suggesting that the kidney is a target organ for this fungus. This study demonstrates the increased susceptibility of compromised mice to C. tropicalis as compared with normal mice and verifies the ability of these yeasts to cause opportunistic disease.
Insights
Candida tropicalis causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. This study shows neutropenic and diabetic mice are more susceptible to C. tropicalis than normal mice, with kidneys being a primary target organ.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Candida tropicalis is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Increasing frequency of C. tropicalis infections in compromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of C. tropicalis in different mouse models.
- To determine susceptibility and organ colonization patterns.
Main Methods:
- Used three isolates of C. tropicalis.
- Infected normal, diabetic (streptozotocin-induced), and neutropenic (cyclophosphamide-induced) CD-1 mice intravenously.
- Determined lethal dose 50% (LD50) and quantified yeast cells in spleen, liver, and kidneys.
Main Results:
- One C. tropicalis isolate exhibited higher virulence.
- Susceptibility to mortality and organ colonization followed the order: neutropenic > diabetic > normal mice.
- Renal lesions were observed in diabetic and neutropenic mice by day 5.
- Kidneys were identified as a target organ with high yeast cell counts.
Conclusions:
- Compromised mice are more susceptible to C. tropicalis than normal mice.
- C. tropicalis can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in neutropenic and diabetic individuals.
- The kidney is a significant target organ for C. tropicalis infection.