Disseminated Candidiasis in Leukopenic Dogs 1

Summary

Fourteen dogs were intravenously challenged with 10⁷ Candida albicans. Seven of these animals were rendered leukopenic with cyclophosphamide. Both groups cleared organisms from the circulation. Normal dogs remained well and showed no gross or microscopic evidence of candidiasis at autopsy. In contrast, leukopenic animals died 1-6 days after receiving C. albicans and demonstrated a consistent picture of disseminated candidiasis. Features of this model similar to human infection include regular candiduria but only occasional candidemia despite severe tissue involvement. The reproducibility of this model system provides a basis for in vivo investigation of systemic fungal disease in the compromised host.