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A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
Candida tropicalis biofilms: effect on urinary epithelial cells
Melyssa Negri1, Sónia Silva, Diogo Breda
1Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|May 26, 2012
Summary
Candida tropicalis biofilms in urinary catheters can infect human bladder cells. Older biofilms (120h) cause more cell damage, highlighting the need for effective antifungal strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Urology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Candida tropicalis is a common cause of urinary tract infections, often linked to urinary catheter biofilms.
- Biofilm formation by C. tropicalis presents challenges for treatment and understanding host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior of C. tropicalis biofilms of varying ages (24-120 hours) in artificial urine.
- To assess the impact of these biofilms on human urinary bladder cells (TCC-SUP).
- To analyze the expression of Candida tropicalis aspartyl proteinase (SAPT) genes.
Main Methods:
- Formation of C. tropicalis biofilms in artificial urine (AU) with different ages.
- Evaluation of yeast adhesion to TCC-SUP cells using Crystal violet staining.
- Assessment of TCC-SUP cell response, including activity inhibition and damage.
- Real-time PCR to determine SAPT gene expression.
Main Results:
- C. tropicalis biofilm cells adhered to TCC-SUP cells, with maximum attachment observed at 72 hours.
- Biofilms, particularly those aged 120 hours, induced significant cell injury and reduced metabolic activity in TCC-SUP cells.
- SAPT3 gene was highly expressed, while SAPT4 was detected only in the reference strain.
Conclusions:
- Detached C. tropicalis cells from biofilms can colonize human urinary bladder cells.
- Biofilm age influences the degree of host cell colonization and damage.
- Understanding C. tropicalis biofilm dynamics and virulence factors is crucial for managing catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
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