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Published on: March 19, 2019
Virulence Factors and Molecular Identification of Candida Species Causing Candidemia in Honduras
José Fernando Chávez1, Bryan Ortiz1, Roque López2
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras.
Abstract:
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs), primarily caused by Candida species, represent a significant global public health concern due to their high mortality rates and growing antifungal resistance. In Honduras, data on their epidemiology remains scarce. This study aimed to characterize Candida species associated with candidemia and assess key virulence factors. A total of 80 clinical isolates were collected from four hospitals in Honduras's major cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Identification was performed using both phenotypic and molecular methods. Hemolytic activity, phospholipase and protease production, and biofilm formation were evaluated. C. albicans and C. tropicalis were the most prevalent species (30% each), followed by C. parapsilosis (27.5%). Phenotypic methods misidentified 13.8% of the isolates. Most strains (96.3%) exhibited strong hemolytic activity. C. albicans showed the highest phospholipase activity, while C. tropicalis was the most robust film producer. These findings highlight an evolving epidemiological landscape characterized by an increasing prevalence of non-albicans Candida species, often less susceptible to antifungal agents, and diverse virulence profiles such as strong biofilm formation. This underscores the clinical need for accurate species-level identification through molecular diagnostics and ongoing surveillance to guide targeted antifungal therapy and enable early, locally adapted interventions.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections in Honduras are increasingly caused by non-albicans Candida species. Accurate molecular identification is crucial for effective antifungal treatment and surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant global health threat, particularly those caused by Candida species.
- High mortality rates and increasing antifungal resistance are major concerns.
- Epidemiological data on IFIs in Honduras is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Candida species causing candidemia in Honduras.
- To assess key virulence factors of isolated Candida strains.
- To inform local antifungal therapy and surveillance strategies.
Main Methods:
- Collected 80 clinical Candida isolates from four hospitals in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
- Employed both phenotypic and molecular methods for species identification.
- Assessed virulence factors including hemolytic activity, phospholipase and protease production, and biofilm formation.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were the most common species (30% each), followed by Candida parapsilosis (27.5%).
- Phenotypic identification methods showed a 13.8% misidentification rate.
- Most isolates (96.3%) displayed strong hemolytic activity; C. albicans had the highest phospholipase activity, and C. tropicalis exhibited the most robust biofilm formation.
Conclusions:
- Honduras shows an evolving Candida epidemiology with a rise in non-albicans species, potentially impacting antifungal susceptibility.
- Diverse virulence profiles, including significant biofilm formation, were observed.
- Accurate molecular diagnostics and continuous surveillance are essential for guiding antifungal therapy and developing localized interventions.
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