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Candida attachment to oral epithelium.
L Vitkov1, W D Krautgartner, M Hannig
1Department of Electron Microscopy, Light Microscopy and Digital Image Acquisition, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Candida albicans uses fimbriae for adhesion and mechanical penetration of oral epithelial cells, triggering inflammation. This study visualizes the yeast
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Mycology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Oral thrush is often caused by Candida albicans.
- Understanding Candida adhesion mechanisms is crucial for treating oral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize the role of Candida albicans glycocalyx and fimbriae in oral epithelial cell adhesion and invasion.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of Candida-induced mucosal inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of inflamed oral mucosa biopsies.
- Ultra-histochemical staining with ruthenium red for glycocalyx visualization.
Main Results:
- Ruthenium red clearly visualized fimbriae, part of the glycocalyx, mediating yeast adhesion to epithelial cells.
- Internalized yeast walls lacked glycocalyx, suggesting mechanical penetration by hyphae.
- Candida attachment occurred via fimbria-mediated adhesion and hyphal invasion of epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans employs fimbriae for epithelial colonization and hyphae for cell invasion.
- Candida adhesion to oral mucosa likely induces inflammation through interactions with epithelial receptors and cytokine production.