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Biochemical and pathological changes in experimental phycomycosis
Abstract:
Intravenous inoculation of rabbits with spores of Absidia corymbifera strain V.73/8 produced acute phycomycosis and death within 2 to 10 days. Cultural and microscopical examination showed that fungal infection was widespread and involved most organ systems but with particularly extensive lesions developing in the kidneys. The progress of the infection was associated with a raised leucocyte count, an increasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and significant changes in serum biochemistry. The latter included a decrease in serum iron, zinc, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase concentrations but an increase in the synthesis of acute phase proteins and in the phenylalanine:tyrosine ratio and in serum concentrations of copper, magnesium, potassium, lactate dehydrogenase and triglycerides. The serum urea concentration increased substantially during the terminal phase of infection.
Insights
Intravenous inoculation of Absidia corymbifera spores caused acute phycomycosis in rabbits, leading to widespread organ damage, particularly in the kidneys. The infection significantly altered serum biochemistry, indicating a severe systemic response.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Absidia corymbifera is a fungus known to cause opportunistic infections.
- Phycomycosis is a severe fungal infection with high mortality rates.
- Understanding the systemic effects of A. corymbifera infection is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological and biochemical changes associated with acute phycomycosis induced by Absidia corymbifera in rabbits.
- To characterize the progression of the infection and its impact on organ systems and serum parameters.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were intravenously inoculated with Absidia corymbifera spores.
- Fungal infection progression was monitored through cultural and microscopical examinations.
- Serum biochemistry, including electrolytes, enzymes, proteins, and lipids, was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Intravenous inoculation led to acute, widespread phycomycosis and death within 2-10 days.
- Kidneys showed extensive lesions, with widespread organ system involvement.
- Significant alterations in serum biochemistry were observed, including decreased iron and zinc, increased acute-phase proteins, and elevated urea during the terminal phase.
Conclusions:
- Absidia corymbifera infection in rabbits causes acute, fatal phycomycosis with extensive renal pathology.
- The infection triggers a complex systemic response, reflected in significant changes in serum biochemistry.
- These findings highlight the severe impact of A. corymbifera and provide insights into disease markers.