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Isolation, acid proteinase secretion, and experimental pathogenicity of Candida parapsilosis from outpatients with
F De Bernardis1, R Lorenzini, R Verticchio
1Laboratory of Bacteriology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Candida parapsilosis was isolated from the vaginas of several nonpregnant, nondiabetic, mostly premenopausal outpatients who presented the characteristic signs and symptoms of a frank vulvovaginal candidiasis (heavy discharge with cottage cheese appearance and intense itching, with or without vulvar erythema and dyspareunia). All isolates conformed morphologically, biochemically, and serologically to the standard description of the species. They showed high acid proteinase-secretory activity in vitro and were appreciably pathogenic for cyclophosphamide-immunodepressed mice. Some isolates were also tested for their vaginopathic potential in ovariectomized rats under estradiol administration. In all cases, the rat vagina was colonized by C. parapsilosis to an extent and duration not different from those caused by a vaginopathic isolate of Candida albicans. Periodic acid-Schiff-stained vaginal smears taken at intervals during rat experimental infection showed C. parapsilosis yeasts adhering to exfoliated epithelial cells of rat vagina. Overall, these results emphasize the proteolytic and pathogenic potential of C. parapsilosis and suggest that this fungus may be an agent of clinical vaginitis.
Insights
Candida parapsilosis, a common yeast, can cause vaginal infections (vaginitis) in women. Studies show it possesses pathogenic potential and can colonize the vagina, similar to Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is frequently caused by Candida albicans.
- Other Candida species are increasingly recognized as VVC agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic potential of Candida parapsilosis in vulvovaginal candidiasis.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo virulence factors of C. parapsilosis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of C. parapsilosis from outpatient vaginas with VVC symptoms.
- In vitro assessment of acid proteinase secretion.
- In vivo pathogenicity studies in cyclophosphamide-immunodepressed mice.
- Vaginopathic potential evaluation in ovariectomized rats under estradiol administration.
Main Results:
- C. parapsilosis isolates exhibited high in vitro acid proteinase activity.
- Isolates were pathogenic in immunodepressed mice.
- C. parapsilosis colonized rat vaginas similarly to Candida albicans.
- Yeast cells were observed adhering to vaginal epithelial cells in rat models.
Conclusions:
- Candida parapsilosis demonstrates significant proteolytic activity and pathogenicity.
- C. parapsilosis has the potential to cause clinical vaginitis.
- Further research into C. parapsilosis as a VVC agent is warranted.