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Animal Models In Medical Mycology: A Comprehensive Guide to Disease Pathogenesis and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Colin Foster

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Published in Animal Models In Medical Mycology

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Medical mycology, the study of fungi that cause disease in humans and animals, has made significant advancements in recent times, largely attributable to the use of animal models. Animal models provide a controlled environment to investigate the complex interplay between host and pathogen, evaluate the efficacy of antifungal therapies, and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of animal models commonly employed in medical mycology research, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and applications in the study of different fungal infections.

Aspergillus Infection Models

Murine models (mice): Mice are widely used for studying aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused primarily by Aspergillus fumigatus. Immunocompromised mice are highly susceptible to pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing researchers to study the pathogenesis of the disease, evaluate antifungal therapies, and investigate host-pathogen interactions.
Zebrafish models: Zebrafish embryos have emerged as a valuable model for studying Aspergillus-induced infections. Their optical transparency and genetic malleability permit real-time visualization and manipulation of host-pathogen interactions.

Candida Infection Models

Animal Models in Medical Mycology

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Mouse models: Mice are commonly utilized to investigate Candida infections, including candidiasis and invasive candidiasis. These models allow for the study of host immune responses, the development of new antifungal therapies, and the assessment of virulence factors.
Rabbit models: Rabbits are a well-established model for studying vaginal candidiasis, a common infection caused by Candida species. The anatomy and hormonal profile of rabbits closely resemble those of humans, providing a suitable model to evaluate antifungal therapies and investigate host-pathogen interactions.

Cryptococcus Infection Models

Mouse models: Mice are widely used for studying cryptococcosis, a disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. These models enable researchers to investigate the dissemination of the fungus to the central nervous system, evaluate antifungal therapies, and study the role of host immune responses in disease pathogenesis.
Pigeon models: Pigeons naturally develop cryptococcosis, making them a suitable model for studying the disease process in an avian host. Pigeon models allow for the assessment of virulence factors and the evaluation of antifungal therapies.

Dermatophyte Infection Models

Guinea pig models: Guinea pigs are commonly used for studying dermatophyte infections, such as ringworm caused by Trichophyton species. These models provide a robust immune response to dermatophytes, enabling researchers to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal therapies and investigate host-pathogen interactions in the skin.
Mouse models: Mice have been employed to study the immunology of dermatophyte infections and to evaluate the protective efficacy of vaccines.

Histoplasma Infection Models

Mouse models: Mice are the primary animal model for studying histoplasmosis, a disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. These models allow for the investigation of the respiratory and systemic manifestations of the disease, the evaluation of antifungal therapies, and the study of host immune responses.
Hamster models: Hamsters are also used for studying histoplasmosis, providing a model for disseminated infection and pulmonary granulomas.

Pneumocystis Infection Models

Mouse models: Mice are the primary animal model for studying Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP),a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals. These models allow for the evaluation of antifungal therapies, the investigation of host-pathogen interactions, and the study of the role of immune responses in disease pathogenesis.
Rat models: Rats have been used to study the epidemiology and pathology of PCP, providing insights into the transmission and clinical manifestations of the disease.

Sporothrix Infection Models

Mouse models: Mice are commonly employed for studying sporotrichosis, a disease caused by Sporothrix species. These models allow for the investigation of the cutaneous and disseminated forms of the disease, the evaluation of antifungal therapies, and the study of host immune responses.
Rat models: Rats have been used to study sporotrichosis in a natural host, providing insights into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease.

Animal models have played an invaluable role in advancing our understanding of medical mycology. They provide a controlled environment to study fungal pathogenesis, evaluate antifungal therapies, and gain insights into host-pathogen interactions. The use of animal models has led to significant breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fungal infections, and continues to drive research in this field. Future advancements in animal modeling techniques, including the use of genetically modified animals and humanized mouse models, promise to further enhance our understanding of complex fungal infections and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Animal Models in Medical Mycology

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