The Effect of the Lactobacillus casei on Hematological Parameters in Rat Infected with Candida albicans

Background and Objectives: Candida albicans is the most common human fungal pathogen causing diseases, ranging from superficial, mucosal to systemic mycoses. Strains of Lactobacillus casei are commonly used as probiotics, alter the composition of the gut microbiota, and affect the host immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of L. casei on blood parameters in Rat infected with C. albicans.   Methods: In this experimental study, 24 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control group that received distilled water, group infected with C. albicans, group infected with C. albicans and treated with L. casei, and group treated with L. casei. L. casei was administered by gavage every other day for 20 days. Then, blood samples were collected and MCHC, MCH, MCV, HCT, HGB, PLT, RBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil, were studied. Results were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and average differences analysis tests.   Results: According to the results of this study, PLT, monocytes, neutrophil, and RBC counts showed significant increases in the treatment group compared to the control group. However, lymphocytes, Eosinophil, Basophil, MCH, MCHC, HGB and HCT had no significant difference. MCV significantly decreased in the treatment group, as compared to the control group.   Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, L. casei might be effective in the inhibition of the infection caused by C. albicans.