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Morphology, Physiology, and Virulence of Some Mutants of Candida albicans

N Savage1, E Balish

  • 1Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830.

Infection and Immunity
|January 1, 1971
PubMed

Insights

Researchers induced mutants in Candida albicans using mutagens like UV light and nitrosoguanidine, creating stable auxotrophs. These mutants retained virulence in mice, though some showed reduced levels and altered characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Medical Mycology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
  • Understanding its genetics and virulence factors is crucial for developing antifungal strategies.
  • Mutagenesis is a key tool for studying fungal gene function and pathogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To induce and characterize auxotrophic mutants of Candida albicans using various mutagens.
  • To compare the morphology, physiology, and virulence of selected auxotrophs with the wild-type prototroph.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of Candida albicans to five mutagens: ultraviolet light, N-nitroso-N'-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine, N-nitroso-N-methylurethane, nitrous acid, and hydroxylamine.
  • Selection and characterization of stable auxotrophic mutants.
  • Phenotypic analysis including morphology, sugar fermentation, chlamydospore production, germ tube formation, and mouse virulence assays.

Main Results:

  • Ultraviolet light, N-nitroso-N'-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine, and N-nitroso-N-methylurethane were effective mutagens, yielding stable auxotrophs.
  • N-nitroso-N-methylurethane induced the highest number and variety of mutants.
  • Auxotrophs generally retained yeast-like morphology, typical fermentation patterns, and agglutination by C. albicans antiserum.
  • Chlamydospore production was affected in some mutants.
  • All auxotrophs retained virulence in mice, albeit at reduced levels, with variations observed among different mutants.

Conclusions:

  • Effective mutagens for generating Candida albicans auxotrophs were identified.
  • Auxotrophic mutants can retain key phenotypic characteristics and virulence, serving as valuable tools for pathogenicity studies.
  • The study highlights the impact of specific mutations on virulence and phenotypic traits in Candida albicans.

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