Comparison of virulence between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii using Galleria mellonella as a host model

Author(s)

Scorzoni, Liliana ^[1] ; Alves de Paula e Silva, Ana Carolina ; Singulani, Junya de Lacorte ; Leite, Fernanda Sangalli ; de Oliveira, Haroldo Cesar ; Moraes da Silva, Rosangela Aparecida ; Fusco-Almeida, Ana Marisa ; Soares Mendes-Giannini, Maria Jose

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias Farmaceut, Dept Anal Clin, Araraquara, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VIRULENCE; v. 6, n. 8, p. 766-776, NOV 17 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis, endemic in Latin America. The etiologic agents of this mycosis are composed of 2 species: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. Murine animal models are the gold standard for in vivo studies; however, ethical, economical and logistical considerations limit their use. Galleria mellonella is a suitable model for in vivo studies of fungal infections. In this study, we compared the virulence of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii in G. mellonella model. The deaths of larvae infected with P. brasiliensis or P. lutzii were similar, and both species were able to reduce the number of hemocytes, which were estimated by microscopy and flow cytometer. Additionally, the phagocytosis percentage was similar for both species, but when we analyze hemocyte-Paracoccidioides spp. interaction using flow cytometer, P. lutzii showed higher interactions with hemocytes. The gene expression of gp43 as well as this protein was higher for P. lutzii, and this expression may contribute to a greater adherence to hemocytes. These results helped us evaluate the behavior of Paracoccidioides spp in G. mellonella, which is a convenient model for investigating the host-Paracoccidioides spp. interaction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/03700-9 - Alternative animal as a model to study Paracoccidioides- host interaction: virulence, efficacy and toxicology of antifungal compounds and new preventive treatments
• Grantee: Maria José Soares Mendes Giannini
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/10917-9 - Alternative animal models: Virulence of different phylogenetic species of Paracoccidioides and effect of the 30kDa 43kDa protein and their antibodies
• Grantee: Liliana Scorzoni
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate