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[Enzymatic activity, slime production and antifungal agent sensitivity of Candida sp]

Jaqueline Otero Silva1, Joseane Cristina Ferreira, Regina Célia Candido

  • 1Laboratório I de Ribeirão Preto, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Ribeirão Preto, SP. jaquelineos@ig.com.br

Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|July 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

All 37 Candida strains studied produced proteinase and were sensitive to fluconazole and itraconazole. Most strains also secreted phospholipase and slime, key virulence factors in yeast infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Microbial Pathogenesis
  • Antifungal Resistance

Background:

  • Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens.
  • Extracellular enzyme secretion and slime production are linked to Candida pathogenicity.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for managing candidiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of proteinase, phospholipase, and slime production in Candida species.
  • To assess the antifungal susceptibility of these Candida strains.
  • To evaluate a methodology for phenotypic characterization of yeasts.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization of 37 Candida strains.
  • Assays for proteinase and phospholipase activity.
  • Slime production assessment.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing (fluconazole, itraconazole).

Main Results:

  • 100% of strains produced proteinase.
  • 83.8% produced phospholipase; 64.9% produced slime.
  • All strains were susceptible to fluconazole and itraconazole.
  • Seventeen enzyme/slime typing combinations were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Candida strains exhibit significant potential for virulence through enzyme and slime production.
  • The tested strains remain susceptible to common antifungal agents.
  • The described methodology offers effective phenotypic discrimination of yeast strains.

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