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Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Clonal population structure and genetic diversity of Candida albicans in AIDS patients from Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)
François Nébavi1, Francisco J Ayala, François Renaud
1Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, EA 2413, Faculté de Pharmacie, 34060 Montpellier Cedex 1, France.
Abstract:
We have investigated the genotype at 14 enzyme-encoding loci in 275 isolates of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans sampled from 42 HIV-positive patients (all but one with AIDS) from Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). We separately analyzed the following variables: patient, residence, age, gender, T cell count, hospitalization (yes or no), drug treatment, date of sampling, multilocus genotype, and serotype. The most important factors contributing to the genetic variability of C. albicans are individual patient and gender. Our data manifest that the population size of the parasite is relatively small within each patient, although larger in women than in men, and that, at least for the patients involved in the study, the transmission rate of C. albicans between human adults is very low. Most important is the inference that the prevailing mode of reproduction of C. albicans in natural populations is clonal, so that sexual reproduction is extremely rare, if it occurs at all.
Insights
This study analyzed Candida albicans genotypes in HIV-positive patients in Côte d'Ivoire. Results show individual patient and gender significantly impact genetic variability, with low transmission rates and predominantly clonal reproduction observed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Human Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and population dynamics of C. albicans is crucial for managing infections in vulnerable populations.
- Previous studies have explored C. albicans genetics, but data from Sub-Saharan Africa, especially among HIV-positive patients, remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic variability of Candida albicans isolates from HIV-positive patients in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
- To identify key factors influencing the genetic diversity of C. albicans within this patient cohort.
- To assess the population size, transmission dynamics, and reproductive strategy of C. albicans in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 275 C. albicans isolates from 42 HIV-positive patients using 14 enzyme-encoding loci.
- Analysis of patient-specific variables including residence, age, gender, T cell count, hospitalization, and drug treatment.
- Statistical analysis to determine the contribution of each variable to genetic variability.
Main Results:
- The primary drivers of genetic variability in C. albicans were the individual patient and gender.
- The parasite population size was generally small within individual patients, larger in females than males.
- Low transmission rates of C. albicans between adult patients were inferred, with evidence suggesting predominantly clonal reproduction.
Conclusions:
- Individual host factors, particularly gender, play a significant role in shaping C. albicans genetic diversity.
- The low transmission rate and clonal reproduction suggest limited horizontal gene transfer and a stable parasite population within hosts.
- These findings contribute to understanding C. albicans epidemiology in HIV-infected populations in West Africa.
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