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Systemic candidiasis produced by oral Candida administration in mice
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 1, 1978
Summary
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.