Pathogenic Candida as a supplementary nutrient for dermatophytes

Yeasts are one of the important fungi in food production. Some of them can be used as food. Pathogenic Candida is not known to be food for other organisms. This study aims to evaluate the use of pathogenic Candida as a supplement for dermatophyte growth.

Standard fungal media, Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA), were supplied with dead cells of three pathogenic Candida species, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis, for culturing of 14 isolates of dermatophytes. Dry weight was measured to determine the biomass of growing dermatophytes.

Candida-containing media significantly enhanced dermatophytic growth. C. tropicalis dead cells promoted the growth of Microsporum species, while Trichophyton species preferred growing on media of all Candida spp. with less variability among them. In contrast to C. tropicalis, media with C. albicans and C. glabrata were less effective at supporting Microsporum canis growth (0.150 g of biomass, 95% CI: 0.0482-0.252, and 0.165 g of biomass, 95% CI: 0.157-0.173, respectively).

Candida cells have a promotional impact on the growth of dermatophytes. Pathogenic Candida can be used by dermatophytes as an enhancement growth factor when they are in a dead state.