Oxidative stress response involving induction of protective enzymes in Candida dubliniensis

Candida dubliniensis is a yeast species closely related to Candida albicans, but in contrast to C. albicans, limited information is available on the virulence factors of this important fungal pathogen. The objective of the present study was to determine if this species was able to evoke an adaptive response to oxidants. C. dubliniensis, treated with a low concentration of either H(2)O(2) or methyl viologen (a superoxide generating agent), mounts an adaptive response that results in increased survival against lethal doses of both oxidants. This response was characterized by the induction of enzymes with known antioxidant function. C. dubliniensis strains were less resistant to oxidants than C. albicans, displaying higher susceptibility to their toxic effects. The adaptive response described here might be responsible, among other factors, for the ability of this pathogen to cause infections in individuals with impaired immunity.