ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDA INFECTION AND ADHERENCE MECHANISMS IN THE NONIMMUNOCOMPROMISED RABBIT

Candida infection of the esophagus has been reported not only in immun ocompromised hosts but also in healthy individuals. However, its mecha nisms of action in healthy individuals have not been clarified. Our pr evious study suggested that physical contact was an important factor f or the adherence of Candida albicans. The aim of the present study was to test our hypothesis and clarify the adherence mechanisms. Suspensi ons of Candida albicans cells were given to rabbits in drinking water without the use of immunosuppressive drugs and/or antibiotics, and the esophagus was examined. Candidial lesions were observed in 14 of 15 r abbits given the suspensions held in water with and without 30% sucros e for 13 days. The number of Candida albicans cells adhering to the es ophagus per square millimeter by subepithelial cell insertion was sign ificantly larger than that adhering by attachment, These results indic ate that adherence of Candida albicans to the esophagus occurs by sust ained physical contact alone under a nonimmunosuppressive state, and t hat subepithelial cell insertion results in greater attachment on adhe rence. Our findings provide a clue that may help clarify the mechanism of Candida infection in healthy individuals.