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Sprague-Dawley rats were inoculated intravenously (i.v.) with Candida albicans, and limb joints showing signs of Candida-induced arthritis were subjected to radiographic and histologic examination. New bone formation and bone resorption were morbidly enhanced in bones sampled from the arthritic joints. Sparsely distributed needle-shaped calcified deposits began to be formed on bony surfaces in parallel with the onset of joint swelling. The calcified deposits gradually became denser and then covered the bony surfaces almost entirely, giving rise to an exostosis-like profile. In addition to the new bone formation, bone resorption was also observed in regions adjacent to the sites of new bone formation, and punched-out bone lesions were produced. Eventually, severe deformation of joint bones due to new bone formation and bone resorption was evident. Reflecting these unusual radiographic changes, abundant osteoblasts and osteoclasts were demonstrated histologically in the bones. On the basis of these results, possible mechanisms for the induction of arthritis by Candida infection are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]