RECOMBINANT MURINE GRANULOCYTE-COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR PROTECTS AGAINST ACUTE DISSEMINATED CANDIDA-ALBICANS INFECTION IN NONNEUTROPENIC MICE

The effect of recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CS F) on acute disseminated Candida albicans infection in nonneutropenic mice was investigated. Mice treated with a single dose of rG-CSF showe d a significantly reduced mortality (28% vs, 90%; P <.001), The outgro wth of C. albicans from the kidneys, spleens, and livers of rG-CSF-tre ated mice was significantly reduced (log cfu/g of kidney, 5.54 vs, 7.1 3; P <.001), as were circulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha and inter leukin-1 beta. After rG-CSF, the kidneys showed fewer infectious infil trates, enhanced granulocyte influx, and almost complete absence of hy phal outgrowth. During peritoneal C, albicans infection, rG-CSF enhanc ed influx of granulocytes to the site of infection, and exudate granul ocytes showed increased oxygen radical production. These results indic ate that rG-CSF enhances host resistance to disseminated candidiasis i n nonneutropenic mice through activation of granulocytes and their rec ruitment to the site of infection.