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Unilateral involvement of kidneys in mice infected with Candida albicans
Abstract:
Mice injected with 10(3) cells of a virulent isolate of Candida albicans via the lateral tail vein developed frequent unilateral abnormalities of the right but not the left kidneys. Initially the number of colony forming units in the right and left kidneys were similar but the number of colonies became consistently higher in the right kidneys as the infection progressed. The frequency of unilateral involvement decreased when the inoculum size was increased to 5 X 10(3) cells. These observations indicate that when growth of C. albicans in vivo is monitored over a period of time starting with a low inoculum, it is critical to be consistent in culturing kidneys from the same side.
Insights
Candida albicans infections in mice frequently affected only the right kidney, especially with low cell counts. Consistent kidney sampling from the same side is crucial for accurate in vivo fungal growth studies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- In vivo models are essential for studying fungal infections.
- Understanding organ-specific fungal growth is key to treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the organ specificity of Candida albicans infection in a murine model.
- To determine the effect of inoculum size on infection patterns.
- To highlight methodological considerations for in vivo fungal studies.
Main Methods:
- Mice were intravenously inoculated with Candida albicans (10^3 or 5 x 10^3 cells).
- Kidney tissues were cultured to quantify colony-forming units (CFUs).
- Unilateral kidney abnormalities and fungal burden were assessed over time.
Main Results:
- Low-dose (10^3 cells) C. albicans inoculation frequently caused unilateral right kidney abnormalities.
- Initially similar CFUs in both kidneys became significantly higher in the right kidney as infection progressed.
- Increased inoculum (5 x 10^3 cells) reduced the frequency of unilateral kidney involvement.
Conclusions:
- Inoculum size influences the pattern of C. albicans kidney infection in mice.
- Right kidney susceptibility may be a feature of this experimental model.
- Consistent sampling from the same kidney side is critical for reliable in vivo fungal growth monitoring.