Investigating the human-animal interface: Clinical and molecular features of oral Candida spp. in cat owners

Candida albicans is a ubiquitous commensal fungus and is capable of transitioning from commensalism to infection.

To isolate and identify Candida spp. from oral swabs of domestic cats. Detection of virulence factors, agglutinin-like sequence agglutinin-like sequence 1 (ALS), and Candidalysin (ECE1) genes exploration of the possible relationship between Candida and potential risk factors in cat owners.

A total of 119 oral swabs were collected from cat owners and streaked directly on Sabouraud's dextrose and chrome agars. Confirmation was performed by testing the isolates using the Vitek 2 compact system and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific to the ITS4 and ITS5 regions. ALS and ECE1 genes were detected using conventional PCR.

The total number of Candida spp. isolated from the oral cavity of cat owners was 10/119 (8.40%). Correlations were reported between the isolation of Candida from the oral cavity and age group; use of oral antibiotic drops; diabetes mellitus; oral lesions; and vitamin D3 deficiency (p value < 0.001). No significant correlation was reported between sex, season, smoking habit, denture wearing, steroid inhalation, immune suppression, and Candida isolation from the oral cavity of cat owners. ASL1 and ECE1 were detected in 100% of C. albicans isolated from the oral cavity of cat owners.

This study reveals a low prevalence but high pathogenic potential of oral C. albicans in domestic cat owners, as evidenced by the universal presence of major virulence genes (ALS1, ECE1). Older age, antibiotic drops, Diabetes miletus, oral lesions, and vitamin D3 deficiency were associated with the risk of colonization. The commonly suspected risk factors showed no association. The universal presence of ALS1 and ECE1 highlights the pathogenic threat posed by these yeasts.