PATTERNS OF RESISTANCE TO CANDIDA-ALBICANS IN INBRED MOUSE STRAINS

Candida albicans infections were established in eight inbred strains o f mice. Using established histological criteria, only two strains (AKR and CBA/CaH) were found to exhibit severe lesions. The remainder show ed only mild tissue damage. Deaths occurred in three strains: CBA/CaH, A/J and DBA/2. The last two strains lack the important complement com ponent C5. Colony counts in the brain varied widely between strains an d showed no correlation with the extent or severity of tissue destruct ion. However, strains lacking C5 had a significantly greater fungal bu rden in the brain than C5-sufficient mice. The data are discussed in r elation to concepts of susceptibility and resistance to C. albicans in experimental infections in mice.