Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
HPLC-MS identification and expression of Candida drug-resistance proteins from African HIV-infected patients
Pedro M D S Abrantes1, Randall Fisher2, Patrick J D Bouic3
1Maternal Endogenous Infections Studies (MEnIS) Research Laboratories, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to elucidate the proteomic mechanisms of drug resistance in HIV-infected African patients. Cell membrane fractions from forty oral Candida isolates isolated from African HIV-positive patients were analysed using HPLC-MS with the aim of identifying proteins associated with their pathogenicity and drug resistance. Heat shock proteins that mediate the fungicidal activity of salivary peptides were found in all tested Candida fractions, with pH-responsive proteins associated with increased pathogenicity only being present in the three most commonly isolated species. ABC multidrug transporter efflux pumps and estrogen binding proteins were only found in C. albicans fractions, while ergosterol biosynthesis proteins were identified in four species. The combination of various adherence, invasion, upregulation and efflux pump mechanisms appear to be instrumental for the Candida host colonization and drug resistance emergence in HIV-infected individuals.
Insights
Proteomic analysis of Candida isolates from HIV-positive patients reveals drug resistance mechanisms. Key proteins like heat shock and efflux pumps contribute to pathogenicity and antifungal resistance in these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Proteomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV-positive individuals are susceptible to opportunistic fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis.
- Drug resistance in Candida species complicates treatment outcomes in immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify proteomic differences in oral Candida isolates from HIV-positive African patients.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenicity and drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS).
- Analysis of cell membrane fractions from 40 oral Candida isolates.
Main Results:
- Heat shock proteins were present in all isolates, mediating fungicidal activity.
- pH-responsive proteins, ABC multidrug transporter efflux pumps, and estrogen binding proteins were associated with pathogenicity and drug resistance, particularly in *C. albicans*.
- Ergosterol biosynthesis proteins were identified in four species.
Conclusions:
- A combination of adherence, invasion, upregulation, and efflux pump mechanisms contributes to Candida colonization and drug resistance in HIV-infected individuals.
- Understanding these proteomic mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies against drug-resistant candidiasis.
