Histopathological Assessment of Cyclosporine and Methylprednisolone-induced Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Rabbits

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/ijvm.20.3.1005734

Abstract

Background: Aspergillus is a saprophytic conidial mold usually found in different environments, like soil, decomposing organic matter, and indoor settings. This genus includes several species causing aspergillosis, a spectrum of diseases with varying clinical presentations. Among these, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is recognized as one of the most severe forms, often leading to rapid lung tissue destruction and high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Objectives: This study focused on histopathological evaluation of pulmonary aspergillosis in cyclosporine-methylprednisolone-treated immunosuppressed rabbits. The macroscopic and microscopic findings will enhance our understanding of the disease’s destructive effects on lung tissue and contribute to the broader body of knowledge regarding the progression and pathology of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed hosts.
Methods: New Zealand white rabbits, treated with cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone to induce a non-neutropenic immunosuppressed condition, were endotracheally infected with Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC13073 conidial suspension. On days seven and thirteen post-inoculation, the rabbits’ lungs were collected, and the prepared hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides were examined under a light microscope.
Results: The infected rabbits exhibited a 100% survival rate. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of lung tissues revealed a progression from acute to subacute and chronic inflammatory responses on days seven and thirteen post-inoculation, respectively.
Conclusion: This study yielded valuable insights that can enhance diagnostic methods for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-neutropenic immunosuppressed patients. Furthermore, these findings support the use of rabbit models as a reliable and effective system for future research on new antifungal therapies, minimizing the risk of iatrogenic mortality and property loss.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Volume 20, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 519-528

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