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Synergistic effect of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus on mouse mortality
Abstract:
A synergistic effect on mouse mortality was demonstrated in combined infection of mice with Candida albicans and a Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a patient with toxic shock syndrome. Mice exhibited high resistance when inoculated intraperitoneally by either pathogen alone. Dual infection with the two organisms together, however, at doses which separately caused no animal deaths, resulted in 100% mortality. This synergistic effect could not be reproduced when either of the agents was heat inactivated.
Insights
Combined infection with Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus significantly increases mouse mortality. This synergistic effect, observed in dual infections, highlights potential dangers of polymicrobial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are common human pathogens.
- Mice show resistance to individual infections with these pathogens.
- Toxic shock syndrome is associated with Staphylococcus aureus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effect of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus on mouse mortality.
- To determine if a synergistic interaction exists between these two microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with either Candida albicans or Staphylococcus aureus alone.
- Mice were also inoculated with a combination of both pathogens.
- Mortality rates were recorded for all groups.
Main Results:
- Individual infections with low doses of either pathogen did not cause mortality.
- Dual infection with both pathogens, even at non-lethal doses individually, resulted in 100% mortality.
- Heat inactivation of either organism abolished the synergistic effect.
Conclusions:
- A significant synergistic effect exists between Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, leading to increased mortality in mice.
- This interaction is specific to live organisms and not due to heat-labile toxins alone.
- Findings suggest potential for severe outcomes in polymicrobial infections involving these pathogens.
