Ultrastructure and Growth of Candida Albicans Associated with Rat Vaginal Epithelium

Abstract

The rodent model of Candida vaginitis is widely used to examine the effects of antifungal agents, and several studies of the pathogenesis of the infection, particularly in rats, have been made^1–3. Differences exist between the infection in rodents and humans, particularly the presence of an extensive squamous keratinised vaginal epithelium, higher vaginal pH and lack of an inflammatory response in rodents, and differences in the vaginal flora. However, a true vaginitis is produced in the rat and the model offers considerable advantages for testing drugs, since the infection is benign, causing little discomfort to the animal, is reasonably reproducible and persists for several months.