Naturally acquired systemic dual infection caused byCandida famata(Debaryomyces hansenii) andCandida catenulatain albino rats bred for sale in the market at Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), India

Abstract

Naturally acquired disseminated dual infection caused by Candida famata and Candida catenulata was observed in a group of albino rats bred in an animal house for sale at Jabalpur, India. Out of 200 rats examined, 40 (20%) revealed disseminated infection from which 10 (5%) exhibited infection of the brain. Mixed colonies of C. famata and C. catenulata were isolated in culture from brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and stomach of the diseased animals. Histopathology revealed the presence of necrotic lesions containing yeast cells. Epidemiological studies showed the presence of the pathogens in the soil of the animal’s breeding place. It is suggested that the rats may have acquired infection from the soil either through contaminated food, drinking water or aerosol. This is the first report of the naturally acquired dual infection in albino rats caused by C. famata (Debaryomyces hansenii) and C. catenulata.