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Published on: July 19, 2012
Experimental cerebral lesions produced by inoculation with Basidiobolus strains
Abstract:
Two Basidiobolus strains produced progressive chronic granulomatous lesions in the brain following intracerebral inoculation of mice with hyphal material. Large septate hyphal bodies, together with sperical structures and granular material presumed to be of fungal origin, were present in the granuloma tissue surrounding the IIIrd and lateral ventricles. No progressive lesions developed when Basidiobolus mycelium was inoculated at extra-cerebral sites.
Insights
Two Basidiobolus strains caused brain lesions in mice after direct inoculation. Lesions did not develop when the fungus was introduced elsewhere in the body, indicating a site-specific effect.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Neuropathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Basidiobolus is a genus of fungi known to cause infections in humans and animals.
- Fungal infections of the central nervous system can lead to severe neurological complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuropathogenicity of Basidiobolus strains.
- To determine the potential for Basidiobolus to cause brain lesions.
Main Methods:
- Intracerebral inoculation of mice with two Basidiobolus strains (hyphal material).
- Histopathological examination of brain tissue to identify fungal elements and inflammatory responses.
- Comparison of lesion development following intracerebral versus extra-cerebral inoculation.
Main Results:
- Progressive chronic granulomatous lesions were observed in the brains of mice after intracerebral inoculation.
- Fungal hyphae, spherical structures, and granular material were identified within granuloma tissue surrounding brain ventricles.
- No progressive lesions occurred when Basidiobolus mycelium was inoculated at extra-cerebral sites.
Conclusions:
- Basidiobolus strains possess the capacity to induce progressive neuropathology when introduced directly into the brain.
- The development of lesions appears to be site-specific, with the brain being a susceptible target following direct inoculation.
