Immunity to Candida albicans induced by Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract

Immunity to Candida albicans was studied in Swiss-Webster white female mice. Lethal and sublethal infections with C. albicans did not enhance immunity to a subsequent Listeria monocytogenes challenge. Mice sensitized to L. monocytogenes and then challenged with C. albicans intravenously were able to reduce the population of C. albicans in their kidneys after being boosted (rechallenged) with L. monocytogenes. However, the acquired cellular immunity so induced was very short-lived. Both C. albicans-sensitized and nonsensitized control mice showed an immediate-type and delayed-type skin test response to the cell wall antigen(s) of C. albicans but not to the cytoplasmic antigen(s). There did not appear to be any correlation between increase in skin test response and progression of the candida infection in mice.