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Protease activities of Candida spp. isolated from otitis externa: preliminary result
N A Arsović1, A V Banko, M V Dimitrijević
1Institute of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the ear predominantly caused by Candida and Aspergillus spp. The possible virulence factors of Candida spp. are enzymes, such as proteases, phospholipases, phosphatases and esterase. According to our knowledge, protease production in Candida strains isolated from patients with otomycosis has not been investigated. The present study was aimed at determining in vitro protease activity in 8 strains of Candida spp. (C. parapsilosis, C. famata, C. guilliermondii and C. albicans) isolated from children with otomycosis. A majority of isolated strains 7/8 (87.5%) were protease positive. The protease activity ranged from Pz 0.61 to 0.78. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the contribution of protease production to Candida virulence associated with otomycosis.
Insights
Most Candida strains causing fungal ear infections (otomycosis) in children exhibit protease activity. This enzyme may contribute to the virulence of Candida species in otomycosis cases.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Otomycosis is a fungal ear infection often caused by Candida and Aspergillus species.
- Candida species possess potential virulence factors, including enzymes like proteases.
- Protease production by Candida strains from otomycosis patients has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro protease activity of Candida species isolated from children diagnosed with otomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Eight strains of Candida species (C. parapsilosis, C. famata, C. guilliermondii, C. albicans) were isolated from pediatric otomycosis patients.
- Protease activity was determined in vitro for each isolated strain.
Main Results:
- A significant majority, 7 out of 8 (87.5%) of the isolated Candida strains, demonstrated positive protease activity.
- The measured protease activity values (Pz) ranged from 0.61 to 0.78.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates that most Candida strains implicated in pediatric otomycosis possess in vitro protease activity.
- Further research is required to elucidate the specific role of protease production in the virulence of Candida species within the context of otomycosis.
