Effect of temperature on siderophore production by Candida albicans

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of elevated temperature on growth and siderophore production by Candida albicans. The results showed that an increase in incubation temperature from 37 degrees C to 41 degrees C produced a marked decrease in both the rate and quantity of siderophore production. Elevated temperature was unable to suppress growth of C. albicans in either a control culture medium or a deferrated culture medium. A significant suppression of growth compared to the controls was observed in the deferrated media at both 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C. However with time, the growth of cells in the deferrated media showed partial recovery which was followed by an increase in siderophore production. Thus, elevation of temperature to suppress growth and siderophore production by C. albicans appears to be an ineffective host defense mechanism.