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Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans infection (animal experiments)
Abstract:
During a certain period of the course of infection in white mice inoculated intraperitoneally with the pure culture of a proteolysing strain of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans both, were isolated simultaneously from the peritoneal abscesses, especially those adhering to the stomach, duodenum, pancreas and the upper part of small intestine. This concommitant occurrence of the two pathogens was further corroborated by histopathological examination which revealed large number of staphylococci present in the close neighbourhood of Candida cells, usually in the center of the granulomata caused by the fungus. In view of the facts that the proteolytic end-products of C. albicans can offer a good substratum for the growth of S. aureus and the latter may be isolated from the intestinal tract of apparently healthy mice, possibly as a constituent of the transient microflora, the co-existence of these two important aetiologic agents of endogenous infections as encountered during this study appears to be of great clinical interest. Furthermore, these observations also demonstrate the importance of controlling the bacterial flora of mice for pure mycological studies.
Insights
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus can co-infect mice, with fungal byproducts supporting bacterial growth. This highlights the need to control mouse microflora in mycological research.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans is a fungus known for its proteolytic activity.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can be part of the normal microflora.
- Endogenous infections arise from pathogens already present in the host.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the simultaneous isolation of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus from mouse infections.
- To understand the relationship between these two pathogens during infection.
- To assess the clinical significance of their co-existence.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with Candida albicans.
- Pathogens were isolated from peritoneal abscesses.
- Histopathological examination was used to study pathogen proximity.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus were simultaneously isolated from peritoneal abscesses.
- Histopathology showed Staphylococcus aureus near Candida cells within granulomata.
- Proteolytic byproducts of Candida albicans likely support Staphylococcus aureus growth.
Conclusions:
- The co-existence of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus in endogenous infections is clinically relevant.
- Proteolytic activity of Candida albicans facilitates Staphylococcus aureus proliferation.
- Controlling bacterial flora in mice is crucial for accurate mycological studies.