Systemic candidiasis in mice immunized with Candida albicans ribosomes
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Abstract:
In view of our previous findings that vaccination of mice with Candida albicans ribosomes protects them against experimental systemic candidiasis, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this vaccination on the course of infection in immunized animals. Since the kidney is the major target in systemic candidal infection, we concentrated in this research on studying the histopathology and determining quantitatively the candidal colonization of this organ. The experiments were carried out at various time intervals after intravenous inoculation with live C. albicans. The colonization of kidneys in immunized mice was markedly lower than that in controls. The maximal difference in renal colonization between immunized and non immunized animals was observed when relatively low challenge doses were used. The inhibition of candidal multiplication in immunized mice seemed to be correlated to their increased resistance against lethal challenge, as expressed by a significantly higher survival rate. Histopathological changes and fungal elements were found in kidneys of control mice as early as 20 h post infection, while the kidneys of immunized mice did not seem affected by the disease. Moreover, even 3 days post infection, the kidneys of vaccinated animals still seemed normal. In conclusion, apparently the ribosomal vaccination leads to diminished colonization of the major site of infection in candidiasis, thus affording protection to the immunized animals against these infections.
Insights
Ribosomal vaccination against Candida albicans significantly reduces kidney colonization and improves survival rates in mice. This immunization strategy offers protection against systemic candidiasis by limiting fungal growth in vital organs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Mycology
- Pathology
Background:
- Previous studies demonstrated that vaccination with Candida albicans ribosomes protects mice against experimental systemic candidiasis.
- The kidney is a primary target organ in systemic candidal infections, making it crucial to assess vaccination effects on renal pathology and fungal burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ribosomal vaccination on the course of systemic candidiasis in immunized mice.
- To evaluate the histopathology and quantify Candida albicans colonization in the kidneys of vaccinated and control mice at various time points post-infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized with Candida albicans ribosomes.
- Immunized and control mice were intravenously inoculated with live Candida albicans.
- Kidney histopathology and quantitative fungal colonization were assessed at different time intervals post-infection.
Main Results:
- Kidney colonization by Candida albicans was significantly lower in immunized mice compared to controls, particularly with lower challenge doses.
- Inhibition of fungal multiplication in immunized mice correlated with increased resistance to lethal challenge and higher survival rates.
- Histopathological changes and fungal elements were evident in control mouse kidneys early post-infection, whereas immunized mice showed minimal to no renal pathology even after 3 days.
Conclusions:
- Ribosomal vaccination effectively diminishes Candida albicans colonization in the kidneys, a major site of infection.
- This vaccination strategy confers significant protection against systemic candidiasis, evidenced by reduced fungal burden and improved survival.