Immunomodulating Effect of Cyclophosphamide on the Mice Infected with Candida albicans

Background & Objectives: Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that stops the replication of DNA, which is used to treat various types of cancer and some autoimmune disorders. This study was aimed at then evaluating the immunomodulating effect of cyclophosphamide (Cy) on the immune system of vaccinated and non-vaccinated mice.Materials & Methods: The  study was performed on three groups of mice consisting of vaccinated, non-vaccinated and control groups. Vaccination was carried out by three separated courses of C. albicans injection intraperitoneally.  Then,  the  vaccinated group  received Cy  on  day  zero  and  were  challenged  with  lethal  doses of  C. albicans  on  days  zero, one, 3, 6 and 12 post-Cy injection. Non-vaccinated group received Cy on day zero and similar to vaccinated ones were challenged with lethal doses of the organism. The control groups received  just  Cy  on  day  zero  and  were  sacrificed  on days  post-Cy injection. Then, the hemogram and the spleen and the renal tissues were studied microscopically and macroscopically.Results: In the vaccinated group, an increase in survival time, the number of polymorphonuclear and the significant hyperplasia in the white pulp on days 6 and 12 post-Cy injection were noticed. In non-vaccinated ones, these factors had significant decrease on days 1 and 3. Conclusion: It is concluded that the hyperplasia in the white pulp of spleen and an increasing in peripheral polymorphonuclear due to the selective effects of Cy could effectively protect the animal against C. albicans infection.