Use of an animal model of disseminated candidiasis in the evaluation of antifungal therapy.

Animal models have been helpful in assessing a drug's potential application to treatment of humans. These controlled experiments allow description of the impact of a wide range of important treatment variables, including drug dose or concentration, dosing interval, pathogen, and host immune state. Animal models of mycoses are designed to address particular therapeutic questions. Some models are designed to screen multiple compounds in a rapid manner. Other models are selected to more closely mimic clinical infections. The following chapter will be limited to the description of a murine model of disseminated candidiasis in which in vitro results, pharmacokinetic properties, and a microbiological in vivo end point is used in the assessment of a wide variety of antifungal compounds.