ISSN:
1574-695X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Neutrophils (PMNs) constitute the main mechanism of host defense against acute invasive and disseminated candidiasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) play an important role in the recruitment of PMNs at the site of invasive Candida infection. In the absence of either TNFα or IL-6, the course of experimental disseminated candidiasis is more severe, due to defective PMN recruitment. Treatment of mice with recombinant G-CSF (rG-CSF) leads to a significantly reduced mortality during disseminated candidiasis. The outgrowth of Candida albicans from the organs of rG-CSF-treated mice is significantly decreased. Treatment with the combination of rG-CSF and fluconazole has an additive effect on the reduction of fungal load in the organs. In subacute or chronic disseminated Candida infection, rG-CSF is less effective, indicating that neutrophil recruitment and activation are crucial in acute, life-threatening candidiasis, whereas other host defense mechanisms control the outcome of less overwhelming invasive Candida infection.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695X.1999.tb01402.x
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