Use of DBA/2N mice in models of systemic candidiasis and pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis.

Mouse models of systemic candidiasis and pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis were established by using DBA/2N mice, which are known to be deficient in the C5 component of complement. In experiments comparing lethality in the respective models in DBA/2N versus outbred CFW mice, results showed that the 50% lethal dose values for the DBA/2N mice were 10- to 1,000-fold lower than those for the outbred mice, depending on the experiment. Additionally, onset of death was somewhat delayed for the DBA/2N mice. In the case of the pulmonary aspergillosis model, administration of cortisone acetate was necessary to ensure lethality after intranasal infection, but only a single dose was necessary.