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Radiomyces a genus in the Mucorales pathogenic for mice
Abstract:
The thermotolerant fungi Radiomyces spectabilis and R. embreei were tested for their ability to produce disease when injected intravenously into mice. All three strains of R. embreei tested were able to produce death in normal and cortisone-treated mice. Hyphal invasion was consistently observed in the kidneys of these animals, and involvement of the brain, heart and lungs was often seen at inoculum dosages of 10(4) and 10(5) spores. The single strain of R. spectabilis tested did not produce deaths; although cortisone-treated animals sometimes exhibited unilateral kidney involvement at necropsy.
Insights
The thermotolerant fungi *Radiomyces embreei* caused fatal infections in mice, affecting kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. *Radiomyces spectabilis* did not cause death but showed kidney involvement in immunosuppressed mice.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Thermotolerant fungi are increasingly recognized as potential opportunistic pathogens.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of *Radiomyces* species is crucial for assessing human health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenic potential of *Radiomyces spectabilis* and *Radiomyces embreei* in a murine model.
- To determine the organs affected by these fungal infections and the role of immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of fungal spores (*R. spectabilis* and *R. embreei*) into normal and cortisone-treated mice.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of infected animals to assess fungal invasion and organ damage.
Main Results:
- All tested strains of *Radiomyces embreei* caused mortality in both normal and cortisone-treated mice.
- Hyphal invasion was observed in kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs of mice infected with *R. embreei* at high spore dosages.
- *Radiomyces spectabilis* did not cause death, but unilateral kidney involvement was noted in cortisone-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- *Radiomyces embreei* is a virulent pathogen capable of causing systemic fatal infections in mice.
- Immunosuppression may increase susceptibility to fungal infections, as suggested by kidney involvement in *R. spectabilis*-infected mice.