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Published on: October 18, 2017
Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) as an alternative host for the study of pathogenicity in Candida auris
Milena Izabel Dos Santos Rodrigues1, Gabriel Henrique Rodrigues da Cruz1, Fabíola Lucini1
1Health Science Research Laboratory, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Background:
Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, has emerged as a significant global health threat due to its high transmission and mortality rates, especially in healthcare settings.
Objective:
This study aimed to establish the larvae of the coleopteran Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) as an in vivo model to evaluate the virulence of different C. auris strains.
Methods:
T. molitor larvae were inoculated with varying doses and strains of C. auris. Mortality rates were monitored, melanization responses, and phenoloxidase activity were assessed. Histopathological analyses were conducted to observe tissue invasion by the yeast cells. Additionally, a biofilm formation test was included as a complementary analysis to determine if biofilm production would influence the virulence of the C. auris strains.
Results:
A dose-dependent increase in mortality was observed, with the highest fungal load leading to the highest mortality rates. The study also revealed significant differences in virulence among the strains, with those from Kuwait and the reference strain CBS 10913 showing the highest pathogenicity. Melanization rates were significantly higher in infected larvae, indicating an active immune response. The histopathological analysis revealed the presence of C. auris cells within the tissue of T. molitor larvae. However, the biofilm formation complementary test did not show a significant difference in virulence among the different clades of C. auris.
Conclusion:
The T. molitor model effectively demonstrated the pathogenic potential and virulence differences of C. auris strains. Strains from Kuwait and the reference strain CBS 10913 exhibited the highest virulence, causing 100 % mortality within 24 h. The model also highlighted significant biofilm formation and melanization responses, correlating with fungal burden. This insect model provides a valuable and cost-effective tool for preliminary virulence screening of clinical yeast strains, offering insights into host-pathogen interactions and the potential for evaluating antifungal treatments in vivo.
Insights
The mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) serves as an effective in vivo model for assessing Candida auris virulence, revealing strain-specific pathogenicity and host immune responses like melanization.
Area of Science:
- Fungal Pathogenesis
- Invertebrate Models
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus causing significant global health concerns.
- High transmission and mortality rates, particularly in healthcare settings, underscore the need for effective virulence assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae as an in vivo model for evaluating Candida auris virulence.
- To compare the pathogenicity of different C. auris strains using this insect model.
Main Methods:
- Tenebrio molitor larvae were inoculated with various doses and strains of Candida auris.
- Mortality, melanization response, and phenoloxidase activity were assessed.
- Histopathological analysis and biofilm formation tests were conducted to evaluate fungal invasion and virulence factors.
Main Results:
- A dose-dependent relationship between fungal load and mortality was observed.
- Significant virulence differences were noted among C. auris strains, with Kuwaiti strains and CBS 10913 showing highest pathogenicity.
- Increased melanization indicated an active immune response, and C. auris was found within larval tissues.
Conclusions:
- The Tenebrio molitor model effectively demonstrated C. auris pathogenicity and strain-specific virulence.
- Kuwaiti strains and the reference strain CBS 10913 caused 100% mortality within 24 hours.
- This cost-effective insect model aids in preliminary virulence screening and understanding host-pathogen interactions.
