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Hydrophobicity of Candida albicans related to their adherence to mucosal epithelial cells
1Institute of Microbiology, Medical Academy, Cracow, Poland.
Abstract:
A total of 150 Candida albicans strains were examined, using a salt aggregation test (SAT) and an improved salt aggregation test (ISAT). The fungal strains were isolated from patients or taken from a collection. Out of 150 strains, 20.7% were autoaggregating in the ISAT. In the SAT, 12% of the strains were autoaggregating in saline and 14% in phosphate buffer. The remaining strains did not clump. Pretreatment of the autoaggregating strains with detergents (Tween 80 and ethylene glycol) prevented aggregation in some of them. The adherence capacity to buccal epithelial cells of the fungal strains autoaggregating in the SAT and ISAT, was compared to that of the nonaggregating ones. The autoaggregating strains revealed significantly higher adherence values (p less than 0.002). The adherence ability to buccal epithelial cells of the autoaggregating strains before and after their pretreatment with detergents was compared. The adherence values after pretreatment were significantly lower (p less than 0.001).
Insights
The study found that autoaggregating Candida albicans strains show higher adherence to cells. Detergent pretreatment reduced this adherence, suggesting a role for surface properties in fungal adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for various infections.
- Fungal cell surface properties, such as autoaggregation, may influence adherence and pathogenicity.
- Understanding these properties is crucial for developing effective antifungal strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the autoaggregation properties of Candida albicans strains.
- To compare the adherence capacity of autoaggregating and non-aggregating strains to buccal epithelial cells.
- To assess the effect of detergent pretreatment on autoaggregation and adherence.
Main Methods:
- Examined 150 Candida albicans strains using salt aggregation tests (SAT) and improved salt aggregation tests (ISAT).
- Assessed autoaggregation in saline and phosphate buffer.
- Compared adherence to buccal epithelial cells before and after detergent (Tween 80, ethylene glycol) pretreatment.
Main Results:
- 20.7% of strains autoaggregated in ISAT; 12-14% autoaggregated in SAT.
- Autoaggregating strains demonstrated significantly higher adherence to buccal epithelial cells (p < 0.002).
- Detergent pretreatment significantly reduced adherence in autoaggregating strains (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Autoaggregation in Candida albicans is linked to increased adherence to host cells.
- Surface components involved in autoaggregation are likely accessible to detergents.
- These findings highlight the role of cell surface characteristics in Candida albicans pathogenicity.