Experimental dermatophytosis in hamsters inoculated with Trichophyton mentagrophytes in the cheek pouch

Abstract

SUMMARYThis study presents the results of T. mentagrophytes inoculation in the cheek pouch of the hamster, an immunologically privileged site. Forty two animals were used: 21 inoculated with 10 6 fungi in the cheek pouch (group 1) and 21 inoculated initially with 10 6 fungi in the foot pad and 15 days later in the cheek pouch, with the same amount of fungi (group 2). Animals were sacrificed at 20 hours, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 120 days; samples from inoculated cheek pouch, and foot pads submitted to the foot pad test (FPT), were collected. Independent of group and time of evolution of infection, animals did not develop delayed hypersensitivity evaluated through the FPT. The pre-inoculation of fungi in the foot pad did not change the morphology of lesions induced in the cheek pouch. Therefore, in animals of group 1 and 2, the introduction of the fungus in the cheek pouch resulted in focal lesion composed of a sterile acute inflammatory infiltrate, with abscess formation that evolved to a macrophagic reaction, and later to resolution even in the absence of immune response detectable by FPT. Our results indicate that in spite of the important role of the immune response in the spontaneous regression of dermatophytosis, other factors are also an integral part in the defense against this fungal infection.

Experimental Dermatophytosis on the Outer Ear of Guinea Pigs: A Model That Mimics Natural Infection

“…Various methods have previously been used to render the skin more susceptible to infection, such as scarification, abrasion with a scalpel and inoculate fixed to the flank by bandaging for approximately 24hs [10]. In these studies, the experimental infections are commonly induced in the posterior dorsal region, cheek pouch, hind thigh and other skin areas [1,[7][8][9], causing suffering and stress to the animals.…”