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Phenotypical properties associated with virulence from clinical isolates belonging to the Candida parapsilosis

Érika A Abi-Chacra1, Lucieri O P Souza, Lucas P Cruz

  • 1Laboratório de Investigação de Peptidases (LIP), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

FEMS Yeast Research
|October 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Candida parapsilosis complex strains exhibit diverse virulence factors, with molecular methods distinguishing species. Adhesion and biofilm formation varied, highlighting complex interactions with host cells.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The Candida parapsilosis complex comprises closely related species, making accurate identification challenging.
  • Understanding virulence factors is crucial for managing Candida infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate virulence attributes in Candida parapsilosis complex strains.
  • To differentiate species within the complex using molecular techniques.
  • To correlate virulence traits with species identification.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological and phenotypical characterization.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based species identification.
  • Assays for protease, catalase, hemolysin, esterase, phytase, and phospholipase production.
  • Analysis of cell surface residues, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and adhesion to substrates and host cells.

Main Results:

  • Molecular methods successfully identified nine strains as Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto and two as Candida orthopsilosis.
  • All strains produced protease, catalase, and hemolysin; most secreted esterase and phytase; none produced phospholipase.
  • Surface analysis revealed high mannose/glucose, medium N-acetylglucosamine, and low sialic acid residues.
  • High surface hydrophobicity and similar biofilm formation were observed, but adhesion varied significantly.
  • Strains preferred plastic over glass for adhesion, with pseudohyphae more prominent than yeast forms.
  • Adhesion was enhanced in macrophages compared to fibroblasts, with most fungi found intracellularly.

Conclusions:

  • Species identification within the Candida parapsilosis complex requires molecular methods.
  • Virulence factor production and expression are complex and vary among strains.
  • Adhesion and biofilm formation are key virulence traits with significant intrastrain variability.
  • Understanding these factors aids in predicting and managing C. parapsilosis complex infections.
Keywords:
Candida parapsilosis complexhydrolytic enzymesinteraction processmorphogenesissurface glycoconjugatessurface hydrophobicity

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