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Complementary Use of Microscopic Techniques and Fluorescence Reading in Studying Cryptococcus-Amoeba Interactions
Published on: June 22, 2019
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Yeast-amoeba interaction influences murine cryptococcosis.
Jessica Helen Dos Santos Carvalho1, Jeana Karen Castro Nascimento1, Kassia Gabriela Vieira Silva1
1Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos Patogênicos, Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.
Microbes and Infection
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Prior interaction between Cryptococcus gattii and Acanthamoeba castellanii enhances fungal virulence. This interaction increases yeast oxidative stress tolerance and impacts cryptococcosis progression in mice.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pathogen-Host Interactions
- Immunology
Background:
- Cryptococcus spp. virulence is influenced by environmental interactions.
- Cryptococcosis progression in mammals can be affected by these interactions.
- The role of environmental factors in modulating fungal virulence is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if prior interaction with Acanthamoeba castellanii influences the virulence of Cryptococcus gattii strain R265.
- To assess the impact of yeast-amoeba interaction on the progression of experimental cryptococcosis.
Main Methods:
- Cryptococcus gattii strain R265 was co-cultured with Acanthamoeba castellanii.
- Mice were infected intratracheally with either interacted or non-interacted yeast.
- Survival, fungal burden, cytokine levels, and histopathology were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Yeast-amoeba interaction led to phenotypic changes in Cryptococcus gattii.
- The interacted yeast exhibited increased polysaccharide secretion and tolerance to oxidative stress.
- Morbidity and mortality parameters were significantly influenced by the prior yeast-amoeba interaction.
Conclusions:
- Prior interaction with Acanthamoeba castellanii modulates Cryptococcus gattii virulence.
- Enhanced oxidative stress tolerance, linked to exopolysaccharide content, contributes to increased virulence.
- Yeast-amoeba interactions represent a significant factor influencing the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis.
