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Published on: February 15, 2011
Cyclophosphamide effect on paracoccidioidomycosis in the rat
J L Blejer1, C M Godio, R Negroni
1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Cyclophosphamide (CY) treatment in paracoccidioidomycosis models reduced granuloma size and fungal load. CY also modulated immune responses, enhancing delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and potentially altering T lymphocyte populations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is a prevalent fungal infection in Latin America.
- Cyclophosphamide (CY) is a potent immunosuppressor used to modulate immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cyclophosphamide (CY) on the host immune response in an experimental model of Paracoccidioidomycosis.
- To evaluate the impact of CY on granuloma formation, antibody production, and cell-mediated immunity.
Main Methods:
- Inbred male Buffalo/Sim rats were infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells.
- One group received CY treatment at specific days post-infection.
- Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and antibody production were assessed.
Main Results:
- CY treatment led to decreased granuloma size and fewer fungal cells.
- Specific antibodies were absent in treated rats up to 35 days post-infection.
- CY administration significantly increased DTH response to paracoccidioidin.
Conclusions:
- Cyclophosphamide (CY) treatment modulates the immune response in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis.
- CY may affect suppressor T lymphocyte subsets or induce a T cell population that amplifies DTH response.
