Determination of germ tube, phospholipase, and proteinase production by bloodstream isolates of Candida albicans

作者：Mattei Antonella Souza^*; Alves Sydney Hartz; Severo Cecilia Bittencourt; Guazzelli Luciana da Silva; Oliveira Flavio de Mattos; Severo Luiz Carlos

来源：Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical, 2013, 46(3): 340-342.

DOI：10.1590/0037-8682-0045-2013

• Virulence
• Germ tube
• Phospholipase
• Proteinase
• Candida albicans
• Candidemia

Introduction: Candida albicans is a commensal and opportunistic agent that causes infection in immunocompromised individuals. Several attributes contribute to the virulence and pathogenicity of this yeast, including the production of germ tubes (GTs) and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, particularly phospholipase and proteinase. This study aimed to investigate GT production and phospholipase and proteinase activities in bloodstream isolates of C. albicans. Methods: One hundred fifty-three C. albicans isolates were obtained from blood samples and analyzed for GT, phospholipase, and proteinase production. The assays were performed in duplicate in egg yolk medium containing bovine serum albumin and human serum. Results: Detectable amounts of proteinase were produced by 97% of the isolates, and 78% of the isolates produced phospholipase. GTs were produced by 95% of the isolates. A majority of the isolates exhibited low levels of phospholipase production and high levels of proteinase production. Conclusions: Bloodstream isolates of C. albicans produce virulence factors such as GT and hydrolytic enzymes that enable them to cause infection under favorable conditions.

• 出版日期2013-6