Enhancement of Candida Infection: Differential Distribution of Renal Lesions in Mice Treated with Aureomycin

Abstract

Experimental intraperitoneal infection of CFW mice by a strain of C. albicans was found to give a hematogenous distribution pattern of renal lesions, with foci throughout the substance of the kidney. Treatment with intraperitoneal Aureomycin resulted in localization of the lesions on the peritonealized surface of the kidney, with dissemination to the inner portions of that organ occurring only at a later date. Concomitantly the death rate was increased. Cortisone had the same anatomical effect as Aureomycin but did not increase the death rate. Either agent lowered the minimal infective dose of organisms. It is felt that the enhancing effect of Aureomycin and cortisone may be in part due to an alteration of host response rather than merely a direct stimulating effect on the organism.