Native human and mouse skin infection models to study Candida auris-host interactions

• DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105234
• Publication Date: 2023-10-07T15:29:59Z
• Authors: Saskia Seiser; Hossein Arzani; Tanya Ayub; Trinh Phan-Canh; Clement Staud; Christof Worda; Karl Kuchler; Adelheid Elbe-Bürger
• Keywords: Candida auris; Human skin; Ex vivo

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared certain fungal pathogens as global health threats for the next decade. Candida auris (C. auris) is a newly emerging skin-tropic multidrug-resistant pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections of high mortality in hospitals and healthcare settings. Here, we address an unmet need present novel native ex vivo skin models, thus extending previous C. auris-host interaction studies. We exploit histology immunofluorescence analysis biopsies human adult fetal, well mouse origin infected with via distinct routes. demonstrate intact barrier efficiently protects from penetration invasion. Although readily grows on skin, it reach deeper layers only upon physical disruption by needling or through otherwise damaged skin. By contrast, not necessary Importantly, show undergoes morphogenetic changes penetration, acquires pseudohyphal growth phenotypes dermal layers. Taken together, this new model toolset yields insights into colonization, adhesion, invasion properties versus results form crucial basis future studies immune defense to colonizing pathogens, offer options testing action efficacy topical antimicrobial compound formulations.