Effect of Fusarium verticillioides extract on specific antibody production against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of partially purified Fusarium verticillioides fumonisins (FB) on the specific humoral response in mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Four groups of male Swiss mice were used (total 44 mice): infected (Pb), treated (FB), infected and treated (Pb/FB) and uninfected and untreated (PBS). Groups Pb and Pb/FB were inoculated i.v. with 1x105 Pb yeast cells (strain Pb18) and, after 28 days, groups FB and Pb/FB were inoculated (s.c.) with partially purified FB from F. verticillioides (5x2.25 mg FB/kg body weight). After 7 days, the plasma levels of total IgG and anti-gp43 IgG (specific antibody) were analysed by immunoenzyme assay (ELISA). The total IgG level was higher in groups Pb, FB and Pb/FB than in PBS (P<0.05) and the anti-gp43 IgG level was raised in groups Pb and Pb/FB, but a significant result was obtained only in Pb/FB, relative to the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, FB or other components of F. verticillioides extracts significantly increase the specific antibody response in male Swiss mice infected with Pb.