We are grateful for the financial support from the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province (grant number 2021SF-118) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 81973409, 82204631).

Experimental animals, male BALB/c mice (12-16 g), were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Xi&#39;an Jiaotong University Health Science Center. All the procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Xi&#39;an Jiaotong University with the license number SCXK (Shaanxi) 2021-103.
1. Buffer and equipment preparation
<ol>
	<li>Transfect C. albicans strains with a high-expression plasmid pCaExp.
	<ol>
		<li>Purchase C. albicans...

Establishing a Mouse Model for &lt;em&gt;Candida albicans&lt;/em&gt;-Associated Catheter-Related Infection

<ol>
	<li>Kojic, E. M., Darouiche, R. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Candida+infections+of+medical+devices.">Candida infections of medical devices.</a> microbiology reviews. 17 (2), 255-267 (2004).</li><li>Giri, S., Kindo, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+review+of+Candida+species+causing+blood+stream+infection.">A review of Candida species causing blood stream infection.</a> Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 30 (3), 270-278 (2012).</li><li>Weinstein, R. A., Darouiche, R. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Device-associated+infections:+A+macroproblem+that+starts+with+microadherence.">Device-associated infections: A macroproblem that starts with microadherence.</a> Clinical Infectious Diseases. 33 (9), 1567-1572 (2001).</li><li>Mermel, L. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Guidelines+for+the+management+of+intravascular+catheter-related+infections.">Guidelines for the management of intravascular catheter-related infections.</a> Clinical Infectious Diseases. 32 (9), 1249-1272 (2001).</li><li>Seidler, M., Salvenmoser, S., M&#252;ller, F. -. M. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+effects+of+micafungin+against+Candida+biofilms+on+polystyrene+and+central+venous+catheter+sections.">In vitro effects of micafungin against Candida biofilms on polystyrene and central venous catheter sections.</a> International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 28 (6), 568-573 (2006).</li><li>Chaves, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diagnosis+and+treatment+of+catheter-related+bloodstream+infection:+Clinical+guidelines+of+the+Spanish+Society+of+Infectious+Diseases+and+Clinical+Microbiology+and+(SEIMC)+and+the+Spanish+Society+of+Spanish+Society+of+Intensive+and+Critical+Care+Medicine+and+Coronary+Units+(SEMICYUC).">Diagnosis and treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infection: Clinical guidelines of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology and (SEIMC) and the Spanish Society of Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC).</a> Medicina Intensiva. 42 (1), 5-36 (2018).</li><li>Raad, I. I., Bodey, G. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Infectious+complications+of+indwelling+vascular+catheters.">Infectious complications of indwelling vascular catheters.</a> Clinical Infectious Diseases. 15 (2), 197-208 (1992).</li><li>Paul DiMondi, V., Townsend, M. L., Johnson, M., Durkin, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antifungal+catheter+lock+therapy+for+the+management+of+a+persistent+Candida+albicans+bloodstream+infection+in+an+adult+receiving+hemodialysis.">Antifungal catheter lock therapy for the management of a persistent Candida albicans bloodstream infection in an adult receiving hemodialysis.</a> Pharmacotherapy. 34 (7), e120-e127 (2014).</li><li>Bouza, E., Guinea, J., Guembe, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+antifungals+against+candida+biofilm+in+catheter-related+candidemia.">The role of antifungals against candida biofilm in catheter-related candidemia.</a> Antibiotics (Basel). 4 (1), 1-17 (2014).</li><li>Raad, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrastructural+analysis+of+indwelling+vascular+catheters:+a+quantitative+relationship+between+luminal+colonization+and+duration+of+placement.">Ultrastructural analysis of indwelling vascular catheters: a quantitative relationship between luminal colonization and duration of placement.</a> The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 168 (2), 400-407 (1993).</li><li>Yousif, A., Jamal, M. A., Raad, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biofilm-based+central+line-associated+bloodstream+infections.">Biofilm-based central line-associated bloodstream infections.</a> Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 830, 157-179 (2015).</li><li>Douglas, L. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Candida+biofilms+and+their+role+in+infection.">Candida biofilms and their role in infection.</a> Trends in Microbiology. 11 (1), 30-36 (2003).</li><li>Mack, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biofilm+formation+in+medical+device-related+infection.">Biofilm formation in medical device-related infection.</a> International Journal of Artificial Organs. 29 (4), 343-359 (2006).</li><li>Schinabeck, M. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rabbit+model+of+Candida+albicans+biofilm+infection:+liposomal+amphotericin+B+antifungal+lock+therapy.">Rabbit model of Candida albicans biofilm infection: liposomal amphotericin B antifungal lock therapy.</a> Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 48 (5), 1727-1732 (2004).</li><li>Anaissie, E. J., Rex, J. H., Uzun, O., Vartivarian, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Predictors+of+adverse+outcome+in+cancer+patients+with+candidemia.">Predictors of adverse outcome in cancer patients with candidemia.</a> The American Journal of Medicine. 104 (3), 238-245 (1998).</li><li>Fujimoto, K., Takemoto, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy+of+liposomal+amphotericin+B+against+four+species+of+Candida+biofilms+in+an+experimental+mouse+model+of+intravascular+catheter+infection.">Efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B against four species of Candida biofilms in an experimental mouse model of intravascular catheter infection.</a> Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy. 24 (12), 958-964 (2018).</li><li>Shuford, J. A., Rouse, M. S., Piper, K. E., Steckelberg, J. M., Patel, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+caspofungin+and+amphotericin+B+deoxycholate+against+Candida+albicans+biofilms+in+an+experimental+intravascular+catheter+infection+model.">Evaluation of caspofungin and amphotericin B deoxycholate against Candida albicans biofilms in an experimental intravascular catheter infection model.</a> The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 194 (5), 710-713 (2006).</li><li>Koh, A. Y., K&#246;hler, J. R., Coggshall, K. T., Van Rooijen, N., Pier, G. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mucosal+damage+and+neutropenia+are+required+for+Candida+albicans+dissemination.">Mucosal damage and neutropenia are required for Candida albicans dissemination.</a> PLoS Pathogens. 4 (2), e35 (2008).</li><li>Tucey, T. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Glucose+homeostasis+is+important+for+immune+cell+viability+during+candida+challenge+and+host+survival+of+systemic+fungal+infection.">Glucose homeostasis is important for immune cell viability during candida challenge and host survival of systemic fungal infection.</a> Cell Metabolism. 27 (5), 988-1006 (2018).</li><li>Lawrence, E. L., Turner, I. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Materials+for+urinary+catheters:+a+review+of+their+history+and+development+in+the+UK.">Materials for urinary catheters: a review of their history and development in the UK.</a> Medical Engineering &amp; Physics. 27 (6), 443-453 (2005).</li><li>Schumm, K., Lam, T. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Types+of+urethral+catheters+for+management+of+short-term+voiding+problems+in+hospitalized+adults:+a+short+version+Cochrane+review.">Types of urethral catheters for management of short-term voiding problems in hospitalized adults: a short version Cochrane review.</a> Neurourology and Urodynamics. 27 (8), 738-746 (2008).</li><li>Mo, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+evaluation+of+a+film+forming+system+containing+myricetin+and+miconazole+nitrate+for+preventing+candida+albicans+catheter-related+infection.">Development and evaluation of a film forming system containing myricetin and miconazole nitrate for preventing candida albicans catheter-related infection.</a> Microbial Drug Resistance. 28 (4), 468-483 (2022).</li><li>Balikci, E., Yilmaz, B., Tahmasebifar, A., Baran, E. T., Kara, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surface+modification+strategies+for+hemodialysis+catheters+to+prevent+catheter-related+infections:+A+review.">Surface modification strategies for hemodialysis catheters to prevent catheter-related infections: A review.</a> Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials. 109 (3), 314-327 (2021).</li><li>Mar&#237;a, L. T., Alejandro, G. S., Mar&#237;a Jes&#250;s, P. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Central+venous+catheter+insertion:+Review+of+recent+evidence.">Central venous catheter insertion: Review of recent evidence.</a> Best Practice &amp; Research. Clinical Anaesthesiology. 35 (1), 135-140 (2021).</li><li>Kojic, E. M., Darouiche, R. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Candida+infections+of+medical+devices.">Candida infections of medical devices.</a> Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 17 (2), 255-267 (2004).</li><li>He, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retrospective+analysis+of+microbial+colonization+patterns+in+central+venous+catheters,+2013-2017.">Retrospective analysis of microbial colonization patterns in central venous catheters, 2013-2017.</a> Journal of Healthcare Engineering. 2019, 8632701 (2019).</li><li>Mo, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+and+in+vivo+effects+of+the+combination+of+myricetin+and+miconazole+nitrate+incorporated+to+thermosensitive+hydrogels+on+C.">In vitro and in vivo effects of the combination of myricetin and miconazole nitrate incorporated to thermosensitive hydrogels on C.</a> albicans biofilms. Phytomedicine. 71, 153223 (2020).</li><li>Cant&#243;n-Bulnes, M. L., Garnacho-Montero, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Practical+approach+to+the+management+of+catheter-related+bloodstream+infection.">Practical approach to the management of catheter-related bloodstream infection.</a> Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia. 32 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2), 38-41 (2019).</li><li>B&#246;hlke, M., Uliano, G., Barcellos, F. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hemodialysis+catheter-related+infection:+prophylaxis,+diagnosis+and+treatment.">Hemodialysis catheter-related infection: prophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment.</a> The Journal of Vascular Access. 16 (5), 347-355 (2015).</li><li>Fang, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+different+tissue+specimen+pretreatment+methods+on+microbial+culture+results+in+the+diagnosis+of+periprosthetic+joint+infection.">Effects of different tissue specimen pretreatment methods on microbial culture results in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection.</a> Bone &amp; Joint Research. 10 (2), 96-104 (2021).</li><li>Naumenko, Z. S., Silanteva, T. A., Ermakov, A. M., Godovykh, N. V., Klushin, N. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Challenging+diagnostics+of+biofilm+associated+periprosthetic+infection+in+immunocompromised+patient:+A+clinical+case.">Challenging diagnostics of biofilm associated periprosthetic infection in immunocompromised patient: A clinical case.</a> Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 7 (5), 786-790 (2019).</li><li>Cai, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metagenomic+next+generation+sequencing+improves+diagnosis+of+prosthetic+joint+infection+by+detecting+the+presence+of+bacteria+in+periprosthetic+tissues.">Metagenomic next generation sequencing improves diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection by detecting the presence of bacteria in periprosthetic tissues.</a> International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 96, 573-578 (2020).</li><li>Samanipour, A., Dashti-Khavidaki, S., Abbasi, M. R., Abdollahi, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Antibiotic+resistance+patterns+of+microorganisms+isolated+from+nephrology+and+kidney+transplant+wards+of+a+referral+academic+hospital.">Antibiotic resistance patterns of microorganisms isolated from nephrology and kidney transplant wards of a referral academic hospital.</a> Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice. 5 (1), 43-51 (2016).</li><li>Huang, G., Huang, Q., Wei, Y., Wang, Y., Du, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiple+roles+and+diverse+regulation+of+the+Ras/cAMP/protein+kinase+A+pathway+in+Candida+albicans.">Multiple roles and diverse regulation of the Ras/cAMP/protein kinase A pathway in Candida albicans.</a> Molecular Microbiology. 111 (1), 6-16 (2019).</li><li>Garlito-D&#237;az, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+antifungal-loaded+sol-gel+can+prevent+candida+albicans+prosthetic+joint+infection.">A new antifungal-loaded sol-gel can prevent candida albicans prosthetic joint infection.</a> Antibiotics (Basel). 10 (6), 711 (2021).</li></ol>

CRI is one of the most common nosocomial infections in clinical practice23. Pathogens in the skin appendages, such as the epidermis, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles, are all possible causes of CRI23,24. Candida is the third largest pathogen that causes CRI, in which Candida albicans was the most common type of biofilm infection25,26. Therefore, we aimed to bu...

In recent years, with the development and application of biomedical materials, implant-related infections are emerging as difficult clinical problems1,2. With the wide application of medical catheters in clinics, the number of related infections and deaths is huge every year3,4. The common infection routes of a catheter-related infection (CRI) include: (1) pathogens on the surface of the skin infiltrate into the body and adhere to the outer surface of the catheter5,6,7; (2) improper aseptic operation-derived pathogens invade, adhere and colonize on the catheter; (3) pathogens in the blood circulation adhere and colonize on the catheter; (4) drugs contaminated by pathogenic microorganism.
Candida is the third most common reason for CRI8,9. It is very likely to cause bloodstream infection and other life-threatening invasive candidiasis after biofilms are formed on the surface of the implant. The prognosis is poor, and the mortality rate is high2. It is reported that biofilms are formed on the surface of the catheter within 2 weeks after central venous insertion and in the lumen of the catheter a few weeks later10,11.
Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilms formed on medical catheters exhibit a double-layer network composed of yeast, stroma, and mycelium12,13. The formation of C. albicans biofilms is not only a key for drug resistance and immune evasion13 but also vital to produce disseminated spores, which leads to further hematogenous infection2,12 and results in more serious and even life-threatening consequences. C. albicans-associated CRI is a major cause of clinical fungal bloodstream infections7,14, and more than 40% of patients with C. albicans infection in the central venous catheter will develop into bacteremia15.
According to the Infectious Disease Society of America, the recommended treatment of Candida CRI includes (1) removal of the infected catheter; (2) subjecting the patients to a 14 days-systemic antifungal therapy8; (3) reimplanting a new catheter4. However, in clinical applications, catheters cannot be fully removed sometimes. Some patients can only be treated with systemic antibiotics and antimicrobial lock therapy, accompanied by strong side effects16,17.
Existing animal models of C. albicans, such as the oropharyngeal candidiasis model, vaginal candidiasis model, and invasive systemic infection model caused by candidiasis18,19 cannot correlate well with the clinical CRI. Therefore, in this study, a C. albicans-associated CRI model in mice was established. Clinical commonly used polyethylene catheters were used as subcutaneous implants20,21, and C. albicans were inoculated on the skin surface to simulate the adhesion of C. albicans to the medical catheters and the formation of biofilms.
This model has been successfully used in our laboratory to screen the anti-biofilm effect of different therapeutics22. In addition, due to the lag detection of C. albicans after catheter infection, a C. albicans strain containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was constructed and inoculated in mice to facilitate the intuitive observation of the colonies and biofilms of C. albicans on the implanted catheter.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.5 Mactutrius turbidibris</td>
			<td>Shanghai Lujing Technology Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>5106063</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2.5% glutaraldehyde fixative solution</td>
			<td>Xingzhi Biotechnology Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>DF015</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4 &#176;C refrigerator</td>
			<td>Electrolux (China) Electric Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>ESE6539TA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agar</td>
			<td>Beijing Aoboxing Bio-tech Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>01-023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Analytical balances</td>
			<td>Shimadzu</td>
			<td>ATX124</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Autoclaves Sterilizer</td>
			<td>SANYO</td>
			<td>MLS-3750</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Butanol</td>
			<td>Tianjin Chemio Reagent Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>200-889-7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbenicillin</td>
			<td>Amresco</td>
			<td>C0885</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eclipse Ci Nikon upright optical microscope&#160;</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>Eclipse Ts2-FL</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glucose</td>
			<td>Macklin&#160;</td>
			<td>D823520</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Inoculation ring</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>251586</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Isoflurane</td>
			<td>RWD</td>
			<td>20210103</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Beyotime Biotechnology</td>
			<td>P0099</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PAS dye kit</td>
			<td>Servicebio</td>
			<td>G1285</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Peptone</td>
			<td>Beijing Aoboxing Bio-tech Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>01-001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polyethylene catheter</td>
			<td>Shining Plastic Mall</td>
			<td>PE100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RWD R550 multi-channel small animal anesthesia machine&#160;</td>
			<td>RWD</td>
			<td>R550</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SEM</td>
			<td>Hitachi</td>
			<td>TM-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Temperature incubator</td>
			<td>Shanghai Zhichu Instrument Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>ZQTY-50N</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrapure water water generator</td>
			<td>Heal Force</td>
			<td>NW20VF</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasound machine</td>
			<td>Do-Chrom</td>
			<td>DS10260D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Xylene</td>
			<td>Sinopharm&#160; Chemical Reagent Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>10023428</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Yeast extract</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific&#160;Oxoid</td>
			<td>LP0021B</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a catheter-related candida albicans infection model in mouse

Catheter-related infection (CRI) is a common nosocomial infection caused by candida albicans during catheter implantation. Typically, biofilms are formed on the outer surface of the catheter and lead to disseminated infections, which are fatal to patients. There are no effective prevention and treatment management in clinics. Therefore, it is urgent to establish an animal model of CRI for the preclinical screening of new strategies for its prevention and treatment. In this study, a polyethylene catheter, a widely used medical catheter, was inserted into the back of the BALB/c mice after hair removal. Candida albicans ATCC MYA-2876 (SC5314) expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein was subsequently inoculated on the skin's surface along the catheter. Intense fluorescence was observed on the surface of the catheter under a fluorescent microscope 3 days later. Mature and thick biofilms were found on the surface of the catheter via scanning electron microscopy. These results indicated the adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation of candida albicans on the surface of the catheter. The hyperplasia of the epidermis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin specimens indicated the histopathological changes of the CRI-associated skin. To sum up, a mouse CRI model was successfully established. This model is expected to be helpful in the research and development of therapeutic management for candida albicans associated CRI.

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging 

A Catheter-Related Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse

Our research aims to establish a mouse model of Candida albicans associated catheter-related infection, in which biofilm forms on the catheter. This model is helpful for correlating with the clinical CRI and the interaction between Candida albicans and host. The existing animal models of Candida albicans, such as the oropharyngeal candidiasis model, vaginal candidiasis model, and invasive systemic infection model caused by candidiasis cannot correlate well with the clinical CRI.To improve Candida albicans detection in catheter infections, our protocol employed a stain with enhanced green fluorescein protein. This allowed for clear visualization of Candida albicans colony and biofilms on catheters in mice, and in timely detection.

The C. albicans and biofilms on the catheters could be observed by the SEM. As shown in Figure 322, the surface of the polyethylene catheters in the catheter group was smooth, and no adhered pathogenic microorganism was observed. However, mature and dense C. albicans biofilms were visible on the surface of the polyethylene catheters in the model group, indicating that C. albicans could successfully colonize and form biofilms on the catheter ...

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We establish a mouse model of C.albicans-associated catheter-related infection (CRI), in which biofilm forms on the catheter, and the interaction between C.albicans and host correlates well with the clinical CRI. This model helps screen therapies for C.albicans biofilm-associated CRI, laying a foundation for clinical transformation.

Catheter-related infection (CRI) is a common nosocomial infection caused by candida albicans during catheter implantation. Typically, biofilms are formed ...

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