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Comparison of Candida parapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis, and Candida metapsilosis adhesive properties and
Alessia Bertini1, Flavia De Bernardis, Lambert A M Hensgens
1Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Retrospective studies indicate that Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis each represents 1-10% of the infections/colonisations attributed to C. parapsilosis by conventional biochemical tests. Little is known on the virulence properties of these fungi and on their role in the establishment/progression of the infection. In this study, the adhesive properties of clinical isolates belonging to the 'psilosis' species were assessed in an in vitro model of co-incubation with human buccal epithelial cells (HBECs). Ectophosphatase activity was also measured for all isolates, since the activity of this enzyme has previously been linked to adhesion properties in C. parapsilosis. The results indicate that whilst C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis strains showed similar adhesion abilities, C. metapsilosis isolates displayed a significantly lower ability to adhere to HBECs (P<0.05). No evidence of a correlation between ectophosphatase activity and adhesion was observed, and this finding was also confirmed by phosphatase inhibition experiments. Experimental vaginal candidiasis induced in oestrogen-treated mice with representative isolates of the 3 species indicated that mice infected with C. metapsilosis displayed a reduced vaginal fungal burden, especially in the early stages of the infection. The overall findings confirm that C. orthopsilosis has a comparable behaviour to C. parapsilosis, whilst C. metapsilosis seems to possess a reduced virulence potential.
Insights
Candida orthopsilosis infections behave similarly to Candida parapsilosis, but Candida metapsilosis shows reduced adhesion and virulence. This study clarifies the distinct pathogenic potential of these closely related fungal species.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Candida parapsilosis complex includes closely related species like C. metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis.
- These species are often misidentified, and their distinct virulence properties remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding the pathogenic potential of each species is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro adhesion capabilities of Candida metapsilosis, Candida orthopsilosis, and Candida parapsilosis.
- To investigate the role of ectophosphatase activity in the adhesion of these Candida species.
- To evaluate the in vivo virulence of C. metapsilosis, C. orthopsilosis, and C. parapsilosis in a mouse model of vaginal candidiasis.
Main Methods:
- Co-incubation of clinical isolates with human buccal epithelial cells (HBECs) to assess adhesion.
- Measurement of ectophosphatase activity in Candida isolates.
- Induction of experimental vaginal candidiasis in oestrogen-treated mice to determine fungal burden.
Main Results:
- Candida parapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis exhibited similar adhesion abilities to HBECs.
- Candida metapsilosis isolates demonstrated significantly lower adhesion to HBECs compared to the other two species.
- No correlation was found between ectophosphatase activity and fungal adhesion.
- Mice infected with Candida metapsilosis showed a reduced vaginal fungal burden, particularly in early infection stages.
Conclusions:
- Candida orthopsilosis possesses virulence characteristics comparable to Candida parapsilosis.
- Candida metapsilosis appears to have a reduced virulence potential due to lower adhesion and fungal burden.
- Distinguishing between these species is important for understanding their clinical relevance and pathogenic behavior.
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