Abstract:
Systemic candidiasis, caused by Candida species such as Candida albicans and the super-bug Candida auris, poses a
significant challenge in clinical treatment. The preclinical drug development process begins with in vitro testing to
evaluate the fungistatic or fungicidal activity of potential compounds, followed by ex vivo studies to assess toxicity and
immune modulation effects. The final step involves in vivo studies using animal models, particularly mice, to evaluate
therapeutic efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability. Murine models, including gastrointestinal colonization and
intravenous infection models, are crucial for studying C. albicans and Candida non-albicans infections. These models
enable researchers to control variables such as fungal strain, inoculum dose, immunosuppression regimen, and the route
of administration, facilitating the assessment of treatment outcomes. The intravenous infection model, in particular, is
widely employed to evaluate the efficacy of antifungal agents. For C. auris, a highly resistant pathogen,
immunosuppressed murine models are essential for inducing robust infections. While in vitro studies offer initial insights,
in vivo models are indispensable for accurately replicating the complexity of human infections. Ultimately, these animal
models bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications, supporting the development of novel and
effective antifungal treatments.
