[Comparative study of adherence of five Candida species to polyvinyl chloride]

Colonization of biomaterial by Candida species could be the first step of Candida infection. We examined the in vitro adherence capabilities of five Candida species to polyvinyl chlorure (PVC). Twenty stains were tested: C. albicans (9), C. glabrata (3), C. tropicalis (3), C. kefyr (4) and C. parapsilosis (1). The adherence to PVC was evaluated by direct microscopic examination. The results indicate that the adherence of C. albicans to PVC is similar to that of C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. Only C. kefyr adheres to a lower degree. We conclude that the adherence capabilities of non-albicans species were similar to that of C. albicans. There is a relationship between the adherence of Candida species and their abilities to colonize the biomaterial. The species, which are more adherent, are those, which are more virulent.