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Modification of an experimental mouse Candida infection by human dialyzable leukocyte extract
Abstract:
Human dialyzable leukocyte extract (10(7) - 10(8) leukocyte equivalents, containing transfer factor) was administered intraperitoneally to CFW mice the day of and 2 days after intravenous infection with Candida albicans. Tissue Candida populations were determined immediately after and 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after infection. Kidney populations were significantly reduced on 27% of the days studied. Similar reduction in C. albicans census was obtained after injection of leukocyte extracts from donors skin test-positive to Candida antigens or donors negative to Candida antigens by skin test and migration inhibition analyses. There was no evidence of a dose-response relationship for leukocyte extract in the range 10(5) - 10(9) leukocyte equivalents. When mice were primed with C. albicans antigen 4 weeks prior to challenge the efficacy of leukocyte extracts was not augmented. There was no evidence that the infection-reducing effects were related to augmented polymorphonuclear leukocyte mobilization, increased mononuclear clearance of C. albicans, or to a direct toxic effect on C. albicans blastospores. These studies suggest that the reduction in Candida populations was non-specific and give further impetus to the use of the dialyzable leukocyte extracts as non-specific supplements to antibiotics in overwhelming or recalcitrant infections in man.
Insights
Human dialyzable leukocyte extract demonstrated non-specific reduction in Candida albicans populations in mice. This suggests potential as a supplement to antibiotics for challenging infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen causing infections.
- Dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE) contains transfer factors with potential immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of human DLE in reducing Candida albicans infection in a murine model.
- To investigate the mechanism of action and specificity of DLE's anti-Candida effects.
Main Methods:
- CFW mice were infected intravenously with Candida albicans.
- Human DLE was administered intraperitoneally at varying doses.
- Candida populations in kidney tissues were quantified over 14 days.
- Mechanisms including leukocyte mobilization and direct toxicity were assessed.
Main Results:
- DLE administration led to a significant reduction in Candida populations on 27% of measurement days.
- The reduction was observed regardless of donor's Candida antigen skin test status.
- No dose-response relationship was found for DLE in the tested range (10^5 - 10^9 leukocyte equivalents).
- Priming mice with Candida antigen did not enhance DLE efficacy.
- No evidence of augmented polymorphonuclear leukocyte mobilization, increased mononuclear clearance, or direct toxicity was found.
Conclusions:
- The anti-Candida effects of DLE in this model were non-specific.
- DLE may serve as a non-specific adjunct to antibiotic therapy for severe or refractory Candida infections.