Acid proteinase, phospholipase, and biofilm production of Candida species isolated from blood cultures

Mycopathologia. 2007 Dec;164(6):265-9. doi: 10.1007/s11046-007-9053-4. Epub 2007 Sep 15.

Abstract

Three virulence factors comprising proteinase, phospholipase, and biofilm among 68 Candida albicans and 31 non-albicans Candida strains (11 C. tropicalis, 8 C. parapsilosis, 6 C. glabrata, 4 C. guillermondii, 2 C. krusei) isolated from blood cultures were analyzed. In total, 61 (89.7%) C. albicans strains were detected as proteinase positive whereas eight (25.8%) non-albicans Candida strains were proteinase positive (P < 0.05). Phospholipase production was detected in 41 (60.3%) C. albicans strains. All non-albicans Candida strains were phospholipase negative. Biofilm production was determined by both visual and spectrophotometric methods. Eight (11.8%) of C. albicans strains and 13 (41.93%) of 31 non-albicans Candida strains were biofilm positive with two of the methods (P < 0.05). According to our results, we may suggest that detection of hydrolytic enzyme and biofilm production abilities of the Candida isolates in clinical mycology laboratories may warn the clinician for a possible hematogenous infection.

MeSH terms

  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Candida / enzymology
  • Candida / physiology*
  • Candidiasis / blood
  • Candidiasis / microbiology*
  • Cross Infection / blood
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Phospholipases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Phospholipases
  • Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases