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Influence of gonadectomy on Candida albicans urinary tract infection in CFW mice
Abstract:
Candida albicans appeared in the urine of approximately 80% of CFW mice of both sexes within 2 weeks after intraperitoneal inoculation. During a follow-up period of 10 weeks, candiduria tended to clear, but persisted in 37% of males as compared to only 16% in females. Autopsy kidney cultures yielded candida in 53% of males as compared to 25% of females. Urine cultures in both sexes when positive contained 10(3.5) to 10(4.5) candida/ml regardless of the outcome of the infection. Preinoculation gonadectomy in both sexes increased resistance to the infection but did not alter the quantitative aspects of candiduria.
Insights
Candida albicans infection in CFW mice showed higher persistence in males than females. Gonadectomy improved resistance but did not change fungal load in urine.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Urinary tract infections caused by Candida are common, especially in certain populations.
- Sex-based differences in infection susceptibility are observed in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sex-based differences in the course and outcome of Candida albicans urinary tract infection in CFW mice.
- To evaluate the impact of gonadectomy on susceptibility and infection dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of Candida albicans in male and female CFW mice.
- Monitoring of candiduria over a 10-week period.
- Kidney cultures performed at autopsy.
- Quantitative analysis of Candida in urine.
- Preinoculation gonadectomy performed in a subset of animals.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was detected in 80% of mice within 2 weeks post-inoculation.
- Candiduria persisted in 37% of males versus 16% of females after 10 weeks.
- Kidney cultures were positive in 53% of males compared to 25% of females.
- Fungal load in urine was consistent (10^3.5-10^4.5 CFU/ml) regardless of infection outcome.
- Gonadectomy increased resistance but did not affect quantitative candiduria.
Conclusions:
- Male CFW mice exhibit a higher susceptibility and persistence of Candida albicans urinary tract infection compared to females.
- Gonadectomy confers some protection against Candida infection but does not alter the fungal burden in urine.
- These findings highlight potential sex-based hormonal influences on fungal infection outcomes.