Experimental cutaneous candidiasis in rodents

Abstract

Epicutaneous application of viable Candida albicans or Candida stellatoidea under an occlusive dressing resulted in subcorneal microabscesses in newborn rats and mice. Neither heat killed C. albicans nor occlusion alone resulted in epidermal micropustules. These results were dependent upon the number of organisms applied and the duration of application. Four additional species of Candida tested did not produce epidermal micropustules. The microscopic pathology of the abscesses revealed penetration of the epidermis by Candida pseudohyphae; the tips of these hyphal processes were seen within the pustules when sections were stained by the periodic acid Schiff method. The resident flora of the newborn mouse or rat was not substantially altered by occlusion with or without C. albicans during the interval tested. This animal model of cutaneous candidiasis will permit greater manipulation and control in investigations of cutaneous candidiasis and the factors influencing neutrophil accumulation in the epidermis.