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[Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in the mice induced intransally]
Abstract:
A study was undertaken to determine the possibility of inducing paracoccidioidomycosis in mice exposed to the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis. Two strains of the fungus, designated FG and LA, were grown separately in media favoring the production of spores by the mycelial phase. These were collected and used for nasal instillation of 328 cortisone treated-mice. Animals were observed for a period of 16 weeks and sacrificed periodically. Pulmonary infection was obtained in 38.1% of the animals, with dissemination to spleen and liver occurring in 14.3% of the cases. The infection was not lethal. One of the strains (LA) proved to be move virulent than the other inducing a more severe type of pulmonary infection. The result of the study indicate that the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis can give rise, by the inhalatory route, to active murine infections.
Insights
The mycelial phase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis can cause active murine infections via inhalation. This study demonstrates successful induction of paracoccidioidomycosis in mice, with one strain showing higher virulence.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection endemic in Latin America.
- The etiological agent, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, exists in mycelial and yeast forms.
- Infectivity of the mycelial phase via inhalation is not fully understood.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential of inducing paracoccidioidomycosis in mice using the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis.
- To assess the infectivity and dissemination patterns of P. brasiliensis following inhalational exposure.
- To compare the virulence of different fungal strains.
Summary:
- Mice treated with cortisone were exposed intranasally to spores from two P. brasiliensis strains (FG and LA).
- Pulmonary infection occurred in 38.1% of mice, with systemic dissemination to the spleen and liver in 14.3%.
- The LA strain exhibited greater virulence, causing more severe pulmonary disease, though the infection was not lethal.
Impact:
- Demonstrates that the mycelial phase of P. brasiliensis can initiate active murine infections through the respiratory route.
- Provides insights into the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions of paracoccidioidomycosis.
- Highlights the importance of spore inhalation in the transmission of P. brasiliensis.