Histomorphologic study of experimental fungal infection with immune modulation.

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: To study the histomorphological changes in various organs of mice receiving C.albicans inoculation with and without prior corticosteroid injections. Method: The study consisted of 5 groups. Group I animals received C.albicans intraperitoneally. Group II received corticosteroids prior to intraperitoneal C.albicans inoculation. Group III animals received intravenous injections of C.albicans. Group IV animals received corticosteroids prior to intravenous C.albicans injection. Group V, the control group received normal saline. Results: Group I animals showed microabscesses on liver, spleen and in omentum. Healing of lesions occurred spontaneously. Group II animals noted increased mortality with more widespread lesions. Involvement of lung and kidney was also noted. In Group III, mortality occurred in all animals within 72hrs. Lesions were also noted in kidneys, heart, and brain. Conclusion: Corticosteroid administration induces immunosupression resulting in disseminated infections.