[Proteinase excretion ability of Candida albicans species isolates in clinical specimens]

The aim of the study was to establish whether the Candida (C.) albicans species isolates from samples of the patient digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems differed in the ability of proteinase excretion.

A total of 1009 isolates of the C. albicans species obtained from 1009 clinical specimens of the digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems of 666 patients were examined. All samples were inoculated onto Sabourauds glucose agar and incubated aerobically at 37 degrees C for 3-7 days. Identification of C. albicans was done by standard and commercial tests. To test the proteinase excretion ability, we employed the Odds and Abbott method. The isolates were inoculated on a culture medium containing agar, glucose, vitamins and beef albumin fraction V (pH = 3.2), and stored for 7 days at 30 degrees C. Each isolate was tested twice, with the results read by the same person. Development of thready colonies in a milky-white field was considered as positive finding. Study results are shown in easy-to-consult tables. Distribution differences were assessed by chi2-test.

Of 1009 C. albicans species isolates obtained from clinical specimens, 695 (68.9%) had the proteinase excreting ability. The presence of this enzyme was demonstrated in 72.7% of the species isolates obtained from samples of the digestive system, 65.8% of isolates from respiratory system and 59.6% of isolates from genitourinary system. Analysis of chi2-test results showed no statistically significant difference in the ability of C. albicans species isolates from specimens obtained from digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems to excrete proteinase.

The results of the present study are in agreement with the results of most other researchers reporting on the proteinase excreting ability to be demonstrated in 40%-80% of C. albicans isolates. In the present study, the ability to excrete proteinase was demonstrated in 68.9% of C. albicans species isolates obtained from clinical samples.

The ability to excrete proteinase was demonstrated in 59.6%-72.7% of C. albicans species isolates obtained from the patient digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems. Analysis of the results yielded no statistically significant difference in the proteinase excreting ability among the isolates obtained from digestive, respiratory and genitourinary systems.