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Correlation between phospholipase of Candida albicans and resistance to fluconazole
1Department of Dermatology and Ethology, Qilu Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to compare phospholipase production between fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible strains of Candida albicans in order to explore the relationship between resistance to antifungal drugs and virulence of C. albicans. Fifteen each of fluconazole-resistant (MIC ≥ 64 μg ml(-1)) and fluconazole-susceptible (MIC ≤ 8 μg ml(-1)) strains of C. albicans were incubated on egg yolk agar to detect phospholipase activity. Virulence of C. albicans was assessed by the average survival time of infected mice. Expression of phospholipase B1 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot method. Significant differences between the two groups of Candida strains were observed in phospholipase activity and average survival time of infected mice. The expression of phospholipase B1 mRNA and protein (both of secreted and intracellular forms) were higher in resistant strains than in susceptible strains. The results indicate that the phospholipase activity of C. albicans may be related to its resistance to antifungal drugs.
Insights
Candida albicans phospholipase activity may link to antifungal drug resistance. Resistant strains showed higher phospholipase production and virulence, suggesting a potential virulence factor in drug-resistant fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fluconazole is a key antifungal drug.
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
- Antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare phospholipase production between fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans strains.
- To investigate the relationship between antifungal drug resistance and virulence in Candida albicans.
- To explore the role of phospholipase B1 in mediating this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of fifteen fluconazole-resistant and fifteen fluconazole-susceptible Candida albicans strains on egg yolk agar.
- Assessment of Candida albicans virulence through the average survival time of infected mice.
- Detection of phospholipase B1 mRNA and protein expression using RT-PCR and Western blot.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in phospholipase activity and mouse survival time were observed between resistant and susceptible strains.
- Higher expression of phospholipase B1 mRNA and protein (secreted and intracellular) was found in resistant strains.
- Resistant strains exhibited greater phospholipase activity compared to susceptible strains.
Conclusions:
- Phospholipase activity in Candida albicans may be associated with resistance to antifungal drugs.
- Increased phospholipase production could contribute to the virulence of drug-resistant Candida albicans strains.
- Phospholipase B1 is a potential factor linking antifungal resistance and virulence in Candida albicans.
