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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
Total Protein Profile and Drug Resistance in Candida albicans Isolated from Clinical Samples
Kamal Uddin Zaidi1, Abin Mani1, Vijay Thawani1
1Biotechnology Pharmacology Laboratory, Centre for Scientific Research & Development, People's University, Bhopal 462037, India.
Abstract:
This study was done to assess the antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Candida albicans and to evaluate its total protein profile based on morphological difference on drug resistance. Hundred and twenty clinical isolates of C. albicans from various clinical specimens were tested for susceptibility against four antifungal agents, namely, fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and ketoconazole. A significant increase of drug resistance in clinical isolates of C. albicans was observed. The study showed 50% fluconazole and itraconazole resistance at 32 μg mL(-1) with a MIC50 and MIC90 values at 34 and 47 and 36 and 49 μg mL(-1), respectively. All isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B and ketoconazole. The SDS-PAGE protein profile showed a prevalent band of ~52.5 kDa, indicating overexpression of gene in 72% strains with fluconazole resistance. Since the opportunistic infections of Candida spp. are increasing along with drug resistance, the total protein profile will help in understanding the evolutionary changes in drug resistance and also to characterize them.
Insights
Clinical Candida albicans isolates show increasing resistance to fluconazole and itraconazole. Protein profiling revealed a ~52.5 kDa band linked to fluconazole resistance, aiding in understanding drug resistance evolution.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Opportunistic fungal infections caused by Candida species are increasing globally.
- Antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the antifungal susceptibility of clinical Candida albicans isolates.
- To evaluate the total protein profile of Candida albicans in relation to drug resistance.
- To identify potential protein markers associated with antifungal drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Antifungal susceptibility testing of 120 clinical isolates against fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and ketoconazole.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC50 and MIC90) for resistant isolates.
- Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to analyze total protein profiles.
Main Results:
- Significant resistance observed for fluconazole and itraconazole, with 50% resistance at 32 μg/mL.
- All isolates remained sensitive to amphotericin B and ketoconazole.
- SDS-PAGE revealed a prominent ~52.5 kDa protein band in 72% of fluconazole-resistant strains, suggesting gene overexpression.
Conclusions:
- Clinical Candida albicans isolates exhibit notable resistance to common azole antifungals.
- A ~52.5 kDa protein may serve as a marker for fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans.
- Total protein profiling offers insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance.
