Phenotypic switching of Cryptococcus neoformans occurs in vivo and influences the outcome of infection

B. C. Fries, C. P. Taborda, E. Serfass, A. Casadevall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

Phenotypic switching has been linked to the virulence of many pathogens, including fungi. However, it has not been conclusively shown to occur in vivo or to influence the outcome of infection. Cryptococcus neoformans undergoes phenotypic switching in vitro to colony types that differ in their virulence in mice. In this study, we asked whether C. neoformans undergoes phenotypic switching in vivo and whether this phenomenon contributes to virulence. By using a small inoculum to preclude the introduction of variants that had already switched during in vitro propagation, we demonstrated that in vivo switching to a mucoid phenotype occurred in two mice strains and was associated with a lethal outcome. Phenotypic switching resulted in changes of the capsular polysaccharide that inhibited phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages. This promoted a more vigorous inflammatory response and rapid demise. These data document in vivo switching in a fungus and associate this phenomenon with enhanced virulence and a lethal outcome. The importance of this finding is underscored by the increased likelihood of phenotypic switching in chronic cryptococcosis; thus this mechanism may account for the inability to eradicate the organism in immunocompromised hosts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1639-1648
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume108
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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