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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
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Interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans affect persistence and virulence
Kathryn Patenaude1, Chloe N Bossow1, Anna Lane1
1Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|January 7, 2026
Summary
Interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Candida albicans can reduce antibiotic effectiveness and increase infection severity. Co-infections show higher virulence, impacting treatment outcomes and GBS burden.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Candida albicans are common commensals that can cause severe infections.
- Previous studies suggested GBS and C. albicans synergize for GBS bladder colonization in mice.
- Limited knowledge existed on how GBS and C. albicans interactions affect in vivo treatment and infection outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how GBS and C. albicans interactions influence treatment effectiveness and infection virulence in vivo.
- To explore the impact of co-infection on GBS burden and antibiotic efficacy.
- To utilize a larval zebrafish model for in vivo co-infection studies.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of antibiotic effectiveness against GBS in the presence of C. albicans.
- Larval zebrafish model for in vivo solo vs. co-infection studies (otic vesicle and yolk sac injection).
- Evaluation of virulence, GBS burden, and mortality rates in response to monoinfections and co-infections.
Main Results:
- C. albicans presence reduced antibiotic effectiveness against GBS in vitro.
- Otic vesicle co-infections with GBS and C. albicans exhibited increased virulence and GBS burden compared to monoinfections.
- Clindamycin was less effective in preventing mortality in co-infections versus GBS monoinfections via yolk sac injection.
Conclusions:
- Interactions between GBS and C. albicans significantly influence infection virulence and treatment efficacy.
- Co-infections can lead to increased pathogen burden and reduced antibiotic effectiveness.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering microbial interactions in infection and treatment strategies.
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