Hyalohyphomycosis is a fungal infection characterized by the presence of a hyaline mycelium in the host. It is caused by several agents, such as Purpureocillium lilacinum. Our study aimed to evaluate some cell subsets and inflammatory markers involved in the in situ immune response to subcutaneous hyalohyphomycosis by P. lilacinum in C57BL/6 murine models. The fungal isolate was inoculated in mice randomly distributed in immunocompetent/infected (CI) and immunosuppressed/infected (SI) groups. Mice were evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after inoculation. Histopathological studies showed several lesions in the site of infection as well as the formation of multifocal and mixed inflammatory infiltrates, which differed between the CI and SI groups. This analysis also revealed conidia and hypha-like structures in subcutaneous tissues of mice of both groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed lower percentages of macrophages and neutrophils in the SI group compared to those in the CI group. Moreover, the intensity of interleukin (IL)-1β and nitric oxide synthase 2 production by cells of immunosuppressed mice was discreet, compared to immunocompetent mice that ranged from moderate to intense over time. The quantitative interference of dexamethasone in the response to the fungus was also demonstrated. We concluded that our results can be useful not only to broaden the knowledge on P. lilacinum but also, based on this host–parasite relationship, to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of infection.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.