Acute vaginal candidosis model in the immunocompromized rat to evaluate delivery systems for antimycotics

A rat model of vaginal candidosis, suitable for screening new antifungal co mpounds or novel formulations was developed and validated. Two strains of C andida albicans, different inoculation schedules, quantitative assays for f ungal burden and the necessity for immunosuppression were tested. The infec tion was evaluated clinically and histologically by fungal counts from the vaginal discharge. The animals without immunosuppression did not sustain th e infection beyond 2-3 days, however, after immunosuppression with cyclopho sphamide, the infection can be maintained for about 2 weeks and is suitable for the testing of topical antifungal therapies.