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The relationship between the cell length, adhesion to acrylic and relative cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida
G J Panagoda1, L P Samaranayake
1Oral Bio-science Laboratories, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Candida parapsilosis is an emerging opportunistic pathogen which causes systemic and superficial infections in immunocompromised hosts. Successful colonization and subsequent infection of the host by a microorganism depends upon its ability to adhere to host surfaces, and its relative cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is a contributory physical force involved in the process. During a comprehensive study of a battery of C. parapsilosis isolates, we noted wide variations in their cell size. Hence we examined the relationship between the cell length, in vitro adhesion to acrylic surfaces and relative CSH of 24 isolates of C. parapsilosis from superficial and systemic sources. A strong positive correlation was observed between the cell length and adhesion of Candida to acrylic surfaces (r=0.56; P=0.004) as well as the cell length and the relative CSH, as measured by a hydrocarbon assay method (r=0.72, P=0.0001). Further, the cell length of both the superficial and systemic isolates correlated well with their CSH (r=0.63, P=0.01; r=0.63, P=0.03 for superficial and systemic isolates, respectively). These data provide a tantalizing glimpse of the structural and functional dynamics of the candidal cell surface.
Insights
Larger Candida parapsilosis cells show increased adhesion to surfaces and higher cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). This finding highlights the link between cell morphology and the pathogenic potential of this opportunistic fungus.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Candida parapsilosis is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Microbial adhesion to host surfaces is crucial for colonization and infection.
- Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is a key factor influencing microbial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cell length, in vitro adhesion to acrylic surfaces, and relative CSH in Candida parapsilosis isolates.
- To explore variations in cell size among different C. parapsilosis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Studied 24 isolates of C. parapsilosis from superficial and systemic sources.
- Measured cell length, in vitro adhesion to acrylic surfaces, and relative CSH using a hydrocarbon assay.
- Analyzed correlations between these parameters using statistical methods.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was found between cell length and adhesion to acrylic surfaces (r=0.56; P=0.004).
- Cell length strongly correlated with relative CSH (r=0.72, P=0.0001).
- Both superficial and systemic isolates showed significant correlation between cell length and CSH (r=0.63, P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Candida parapsilosis cell length is a significant predictor of its adhesive properties and cell surface hydrophobicity.
- These findings offer insights into the structural and functional dynamics of the candidal cell surface and its role in pathogenesis.