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Esophageal Candida infection and adherence mechanisms in the nonimmunocompromised rabbit
Abstract:
Candida infection of the esophagus has been reported not only in immunocompromised hosts but also in healthy individuals. However, its mechanisms of action in healthy individuals have not been clarified. Our previous study suggested that physical contact was an important factor for the adherence of Candida albicans. The aim of the present study was to test our hypothesis and clarify the adherence mechanisms. Suspensions of Candida albicans cells were given to rabbits in drinking water without the use of immunosuppressive drugs and/or antibiotics, and the esophagus was examined. Candidial lesions were observed in 14 of 15 rabbits given the suspensions held in water with and without 30% sucrose for 13 days. The number of Candida albicans cells adhering to the esophagus per square millimeter by subepithelial cell insertion was significantly larger than that adhering by attachment. These results indicate that adherence of Candida albicans to the esophagus occurs by sustained physical contact alone under a nonimmunosuppressive state, and that subepithelial cell insertion results in greater attachment on adherence. Our findings provide a clue that may help clarify the mechanism of Candida infection in healthy individuals.
Insights
Candida albicans adheres to the esophagus in healthy rabbits through sustained physical contact, not just surface attachment. Subepithelial cell insertion significantly increases adherence, clarifying infection mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Esophageal candidiasis occurs in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals.
- Mechanisms of Candida albicans adherence in healthy hosts remain unclear.
- Previous research suggested physical contact is crucial for Candida albicans adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence mechanisms of Candida albicans in healthy individuals.
- To test the hypothesis that sustained physical contact is key to adherence.
- To clarify how Candida albicans infects the esophagus without immunosuppression.
Main Methods:
- Administered Candida albicans cell suspensions to rabbits via drinking water.
- Did not use immunosuppressive drugs or antibiotics during the study.
- Examined rabbit esophagus for candidial lesions and quantified adherence.
Main Results:
- Candidial lesions were observed in 14 out of 15 rabbits.
- Subepithelial cell insertion showed significantly greater Candida albicans adherence than surface attachment.
- Sustained physical contact alone promoted Candida albicans adherence in a non-immunosuppressive state.
Conclusions:
- Physical contact is a primary mechanism for Candida albicans esophageal adherence in healthy individuals.
- Subepithelial cell insertion is a more significant adherence factor than simple attachment.
- Findings offer insights into esophageal candidiasis pathogenesis in healthy populations.