In vivo models: evaluating antifungal agents.

A summary is presented on some basic aspects of pure and applied studies involving in vivo antifungal models. A standard mouse model is described for the purpose of establishing acute, systemic fungal infection for drug testing. Three representative mycoses, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis, and three representative drugs, amphotericin B (Ampho B), 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) and ketoconazole (KTZ) are given as examples. Second, a quantitative spleen culture technique is described for obtaining quantitative data for the in vivo activity of Ampho B, KTZ and fluconazole in murine histoplasmosis. And finally, special application of the acute infection model will be made to evaluate all four of the above drugs in systemic phaeohyphomycosis with central nervous system involvement.