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Gut colonization of mice by yeast: effects of methylprednisolone and antibiotics
S Maraki1, D Bafaloukos, I Chatzinikolaou
1University of Crete, Division of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece.
Background/Aims:
This study evaluated the effects of broad spectrum antibiotics and methylprednisolone on the gut colonization of mice by C. albicans.
Methodology:
Male Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice, 3 months of age, were fed chow containing Candida albicans, while similar mice were fed regular chow. The gut of the Candida-fed mice was colonized by yeast. Groups of mice were subsequently treated for 10 days, with either ceftriaxone, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, or methylprednisolone, each alone or with the combination of methylprednisolone and each antibiotic. Other Candida-colonized mice received normal saline, and non-colonized mice, serving as controls, received the same drugs and drug combinations or saline.
Results:
Candida-colonized mice treated with each antibiotic alone had significantly higher yeast counts in their stool, while those treated with methylprednisolone alone did not. Colonized mice treated with the combination of each antibiotic with methylprednisolone had similar stool concentrations of Candida as mice treated with each antibiotic alone. Saline did not change Candida in the stool concentration. Yeast was not found in the stool of non-colonized mice treated with the drugs under investigation or saline. Dissemination of Candida did not occur in any mouse.
Conclusions:
Ceftriaxone and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid significantly increase gut colonization of mice by yeast, while methylprednisolone, either alone or in combination with these antibiotics, does not.
Insights
Broad spectrum antibiotics like ceftriaxone and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid increase Candida albicans gut colonization in mice. Methylprednisolone, alone or with antibiotics, did not affect yeast colonization levels.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut colonization by Candida albicans is a growing concern.
- Understanding the impact of common medications on fungal colonization is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of broad-spectrum antibiotics and methylprednisolone on gut colonization by Candida albicans in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Mice were colonized with Candida albicans.
- Mice received treatments including ceftriaxone, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, or methylprednisolone, alone or in combination.
- Stool yeast counts were monitored to assess colonization levels.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic treatment alone significantly increased Candida albicans stool counts.
- Methylprednisolone treatment alone did not alter yeast counts.
- Combination therapy with antibiotics and methylprednisolone did not further increase yeast counts compared to antibiotics alone.
- No dissemination of Candida albicans was observed in any treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (ceftriaxone, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid) promote Candida albicans gut colonization in mice.
- Methylprednisolone does not influence Candida albicans gut colonization, even when combined with antibiotics.