Molecular interactions in a Candida albicans infection in Central Nervous System (CNS)

PERALTA RAMOS JM; FIGUEREDO CM; RENNA MS; CEJAS H; SOTOMAYOR CE

Encuentro; III Encuentro de Jóvenes Investigadores en Neurociencias de Córdoba; 2011

Candida infection in CNS is a serious form of bloodstream infection with a 50% of mortality, associated with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies and that mainly affects premature and newborn babies, pacients exposed to neurosurgeries and catheter use. With the aim to explore the ethiopathogenic mechanisms in this mycosis, we developed an in vivo model in C57Bl/6 mice. The animals were injected iv with 5.105, 1.106 or 2,5.106 viable yeasts of C.albicans and at 4,12, 24, 48 and 72h the kidney and the brain were removed and a sample of blood was taken. The infection was confirmed by the recount of Colony Forming Units (CFU) and both fungal morphotypes, yeast and hyphae, were visualized in the lesions (Ramón y Cajal Silver Impregnation and the Del Río Ortega Double Silver Impregnation variants). The inflammatory response was characterized by meningitis and micro and macroabscesses distributed in the brain parenchyma (H&E). The immunostaining with anti-GFAP (Astrocytes marker), revealed the presence of reactive astrogliosis (IF). Interestingly, we detected neuronal cell degeneration associated to the infection (FJB/A-Cu-Ag stain). The local production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, TNF-alfa and IL-10 was assessed by ELISA. This model reproduces human pathology and provides a fundamental tool to explore the glial immune reactivity against this opportunistic and pathogenic fungus.