[Experimental ocular cryptococcosis under the influence of time-limited kidney failure--a pathohistological study]

This animal experiment is characterized by a missing virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans strain A94 (isolated from bird manure) for the immunocompetent mouse after intraperitoneal injection and following hematogenous dissemination into all organs including the central nervous system (CNS) and by the induction of a renal failure of short duration by intramuscular injection of glycerine. In 50% of the group of 80 animals damaged in such a way ocular cryptococcosis was found in association with the selective involvement of the CNS. The involvement of the eyes was dependent on a time-limited interval between the date of infection and the date of induction of the renal failure. The partly extensive pathohistological findings in the eye, with a predominance of mycotic processes in the retina and with some cases of endophthalmitis, were found to be similar to those described in man. The animal experiment described is proposed as a model for experimental studies to resolve problems of the immunology and therapy of the ocular cryptococcosis which are of current interest.