Disseminated candidiasis studies

The disseminated candidiasis mouse model was used for all virulence studies. Male BALB/c mice (Jackson Labs) ages 6–8 weeks, weighing approximately 18-22g, housed in groups of as many as four animals, were supplied food and water ad libitum. Cells were grown in YEPD and injected via the tail vein with 200 μl of 1X10⁶ cells/ml in 1X PBS. Infected animals were monitored daily for up to 30 days post-infection and were considered moribund when they had a ruffled coat, were hypothermic, and could no longer reach food or water. Animals were euthanized by CO₂ asphyxiation and survival times were recorded. All experiments were carried out according to the NIH guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals.