Patterns of resistance to Candida albicans in inbred mouse strains

• Published in: Immunology and cell biology Vol. 71 ( Pt 3); p. 221
• Main Authors: Ashman, R B, Bolitho, E M, Papadimitriou, J M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.1993
• Subjects: Animals; Brain Abscess - microbiology; Brain Abscess - pathology; Candida albicans - immunology; Candida albicans - isolation & purification; Candidiasis - genetics; Candidiasis - immunology; Candidiasis - pathology; Complement C5 - deficiency; Complement C5 - genetics; Disease Susceptibility - immunology; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Immunity, Innate - genetics; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains - genetics; Mice, Inbred Strains - immunology; Organ Specificity; Species Specificity; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
• ISSN: 0818-9641
• DOI: 10.1038/icb.1993.25

Candida albicans infections were established in eight inbred strains of mice. Using established histological criteria, only two strains (AKR and CBA/CaH) were found to exhibit severe lesions. The remainder showed only mild tissue damage. Deaths occurred in three strains: CBA/CaH, A/J and DBA/2. The last two strains lack the important complement component C5. Colony counts in the brain varied widely between strains and showed no correlation with the extent or severity of tissue destruction. However, strains lacking C5 had a significantly greater fungal burden in the brain than C5-sufficient mice. The data are discussed in relation to concepts of susceptibility and resistance to C. albicans in experimental infections in mice.