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Electron-microscopic observations of the Coccidioides immitis parasitic cycle in vivo

S H Sun, G T Cole, D J Drutz

    Journal of Medical and Veterinary Mycology : Bi-Monthly Publication of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology
    |June 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    The in-vivo development of Coccidioides immitis (C. immitis) in mouse lungs was visualized using electron microscopy. Fungal morphogenesis in vivo mirrored previously observed in-vitro developmental stages.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Pathogen Biology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Coccidioides immitis (C. immitis) is a fungal pathogen causing coccidioidomycosis.
    • Understanding C. immitis in-vivo morphogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
    • Previous studies primarily focused on in-vitro fungal development.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the in-vivo morphogenesis of C. immitis in a mouse model.
    • To compare in-vivo fungal development with known in-vitro developmental stages.

    Main Methods:

    • BALB/c mice were intranasally inoculated with viable C. immitis arthroconidia.
    • Pulmonary lavage and cryofractured lung specimens were collected over 11 days.
    • Electron microscopy (scanning and thin-section) was used for examination.

    Main Results:

    • Stages of spherule and endospore development were clearly identified.
    • In-vivo morphogenesis closely resembled previously reported in-vitro developmental aspects.
    • Electron microscopy provided detailed insights into fungal development within the lung.

    Conclusions:

    • The study successfully visualized C. immitis morphogenesis in vivo using electron microscopy.
    • In-vivo fungal development aligns with in-vitro observations, validating previous findings.
    • This research enhances our understanding of C. immitis pathogenesis in a mammalian host.

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