A murine model of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis

Results: C. gattii was more virulent than C. neoformans, as evident by shorter median survival, earlier histopathological changes and higher serum antigen titres. However, no differences in fungal burden or dissemination to other organs were observed among the various groups. In treatment studies, both fluconazole and posaconazole improved the median survival of mice infected with either species. However, neither regimen improved the percentage of animals surviving to the predetermined study endpoint. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the virulence of C. gattii meningoencephalitis and the potential of this model for the assessment of new treatment strategies.