Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis
Published on: December 8, 2011
Systemic candidiasis produced by oral Candida administration in mice
Abstract:
Systemic Candida infection from the gastrointestinal tract was examined in mice. Candida albicans was undetectable in the blood, lungs, spleen, liver or kidneys of mice 24 hr after oral Candida administration even under condition of severe damage to the host defence system, but became detectable in the liver and kidneys of mice when they received combined treatment of antibiotics, x-ray irradiation and dexamethasone 3 and 5 days after oral Candida administration.
Insights
Systemic Candida infection was studied in mice. Even with a damaged immune system, Candida albicans was not found in organs 24 hours after oral administration, but appeared later with combined immunosuppressive treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Systemic Candida infection poses a significant threat, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Understanding the dynamics of Candida albicans dissemination is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for systemic Candida infection originating from the gastrointestinal tract in a murine model.
- To determine the conditions under which Candida albicans can disseminate to internal organs after oral administration.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of Candida albicans to mice.
- Assessment of Candida albicans presence in blood and major organs (lungs, spleen, liver, kidneys) at various time points.
- Evaluation of dissemination under conditions of severe host defense compromise, including combined antibiotic treatment, x-ray irradiation, and dexamethasone administration.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was undetectable in blood and organs 24 hours post-oral administration, even with a severely compromised host defense system.
- Following combined immunosuppressive treatments (antibiotics, x-ray irradiation, dexamethasone) administered 3 and 5 days after initial oral Candida exposure, the fungus became detectable in the liver and kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Oral Candida administration alone, even in immunocompromised mice, does not readily lead to systemic infection within 24 hours.
- Combined immunosuppressive therapies significantly increase the risk of Candida albicans dissemination from the gastrointestinal tract to visceral organs like the liver and kidneys.
