Changes in plasmatic biochemical parameters during experimental murine paracoccidioidomycosis

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a fungus causing paracoccidioidomycosis.
• Understanding host-pathogen interactions and disease progression is crucial.
• Biochemical markers can reflect the host's response to infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate biochemical changes in mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.
• To compare the host response in resistant and susceptible mouse strains.
• To determine the utility of biochemical parameters in assessing infection severity.

Main Methods:

• Intraperitoneal infection of A/J (resistant) and B10.A (susceptible) mice with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb 18.
• Measurement of plasma cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, bilirubin, AST, glucose, iron, and TIBC at 15 and 90 days post-infection.
• Comparison of infected groups with control groups.

Main Results:

• Infected mice showed increased triglycerides and total proteins.
• Susceptible B10.A mice exhibited decreased glucose and HDL-cholesterol, and increased AST, bilirubin, and TIBC.
• Both mouse strains showed decreased iron levels.
• Resistant A/J mice displayed fewer significant biochemical alterations compared to susceptible mice.

Conclusions:

• Biochemical parameters serve as valuable indicators of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection severity.
• The host's genetic resistance influences the biochemical response to fungal infection.
• Biochemical monitoring can aid in assessing disease progression and recovery.