Adherence of Candida to corneal surface

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Mycology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Fungal infections often begin with microbial adherence to host surfaces.
• Understanding Candida albicans adherence is crucial for preventing mycotic keratitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro adherence of Candida albicans to rabbit corneal surfaces.
• To explore the inhibitory effect of concanavalin A on this adherence.

Main Methods:

• Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine yeast-host interactions.
• In vitro assays assessed Candida albicans adherence to intact and denuded corneal epithelium.

Main Results:

• Candida albicans blastospores showed minimal binding to intact corneal epithelium.
• Significant adherence occurred on corneal stroma lacking epithelium.
• Concanavalin A effectively inhibited Candida albicans adherence to the corneal stroma.

Conclusions:

• Corneal stroma, when exposed, is a primary site for Candida albicans adherence.
• Concanavalin A's inhibition suggests mannan on the yeast cell wall mediates adherence.
• Targeting yeast cell wall mannan may offer a strategy to prevent fungal keratitis.