Experimental coccidioidomycosis: effects of cyclophosphamide in immunologic responses

Rats were infected with Coccidioides immitis and injected with cyclophosphamide three days pre or post infection. Administration of the drug before the infection caused enhancement of DTH response and decrease of the colony forming units (CFU). Conversely, injection of the drug three days post infection produced contrary effects, indicating that a normal T-cell function is essential as a defense mechanism in C. immitis infection.