Vulvovaginal candidiasis in a murine model of diabetes emphasizing the invasive ability of etiological agents.

Aim:To compare the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis by threeCandidaspecies in diabetic mice.Materials & methods:Estrogenized and diabetic mice were challenged withC. albicans,C. tropicalisandC. glabrata.Results:Diabetic animals infected withC. albicansandC. tropicalismaintained the highest fungal burden, despite of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha), respectively. ForC. glabrata, the results were similar in diabetic and nondiabetic groups.Conclusion:C. tropicaliswas as invasive asC. albicans, and both were more effective thanC. glabrata. This ability was attributed to filamentation, which may be stimulated by glucose levels from vaginal fluid. In addition, the high burden may be attributed to the apparent immunological inefficiency of the diabetic host.