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Mice with persistent gastrointestinal Candida albicans as a model for antifungal therapy
Abstract:
Persistent infection of the gastrointestinal tract of CFW mice with Candida albicans was produced by the oral-intragastric inoculation of 6-day-old infants. Other intraabdominal organs (liver, kidneys, and spleen) were usually free of the organism in survivors at 20 days of age. However, all survivors retained high levels of the organism in the stomach and intestinal tract at 30 days of age. The possible utility of these persisting C. albicans infections of the gastrointestinal tract for the study of the efficacy of short-term antifungal therapy was studied. Drug treatment was initiated for a 2-week period when the survivors were 15 to 19 days old. Some representative antifungal agents in current use (i.e., amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and miconazole) effected significant reductions in the numbers of C. albicans in homogenates of gastrointestinal organs.
Insights
This study established persistent Candida albicans gastrointestinal infections in infant mice. Antifungal drugs like amphotericin B significantly reduced fungal loads, showing potential for therapeutic studies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Gastrointestinal candidiasis can be challenging to treat.
- Establishing persistent infections is crucial for therapeutic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mouse model of persistent gastrointestinal Candida albicans infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of short-term antifungal therapy in this model.
Main Methods:
- Oral-intragastric inoculation of infant CFW mice with Candida albicans.
- Monitoring fungal loads in gastrointestinal organs and other abdominal organs.
- Administering antifungal agents (amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, miconazole) for two weeks.
Main Results:
- Persistent Candida albicans infection established in the stomach and intestines of mice.
- Other abdominal organs remained largely free of infection in survivors.
- Antifungal treatment significantly reduced Candida albicans levels in gastrointestinal homogenates.
Conclusions:
- The developed mouse model supports the study of persistent gastrointestinal Candida albicans infections.
- Short-term antifungal therapy demonstrated efficacy in reducing fungal burden.
- This model is valuable for assessing new antifungal treatments.