Date of Award:

5-1995

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences

Committee Chair(s)

Stanley D. Allen

Committee

Stanley D. Allen

Committee

Donald V. Sisson

Committee

Ross A. Smart

Committee

Reed P. Warren

Committee

Robert C. Lamb

Abstract

The growing neutropenic patient population provides an ideal target for opportunistic fungal infections. Several effective antifungal drugs are toxic at high doses and contraindicated for long-term treatment. Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) has been shown to increase neutrophilic numbers and functions, thus providing enhanced host defense. Improved efficacy by using rhG-CSF in conjunction with various antifungal agents was the primary focus of these studies. Use of rhG-CSF in a murine model of vaginal candidiasis did not reduce vaginal colony counts, or improve vaginal histophathology scores. Administration of rhG-CSF in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis improved survival, clinical signs, and gross pathology and histophathology scores of the lungs, and increased weight gain. The rhG-CSF was not shown to be an effective therapeutic treatment in this model of vaginal candidiasis. The rhG-CSF was, however, an effective prophylactic treatment in this model of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Checksum

d65890121351c1b73cb1be5a2a915245

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .