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Published on: March 4, 2017
Neuraminidase production by Candida albicans
Journal of the National Medical Association
|February 1, 1984
Summary
This study found that Candida albicans, a yeast causing vaginal infections, can produce neuraminidase. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Enzymology
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common human fungal pathogen.
- Neuraminidases are enzymes that cleave sialic acids, potentially influencing host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neuraminidase production by clinical isolates of Candida albicans.
- To assess the enzymatic activity of neuraminidase from C. albicans.
Main Methods:
- Cultured Candida albicans strain G42, isolated from vaginal infections.
- Assayed culture filtrates for neuraminidase activity using specific substrates.
- Incubated viable G42 cells with human erythrocytes to measure N-acetyl-neuraminic acid release.
- Screened 32 clinical C. albicans isolates for enzyme production.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans strain G42 produced active neuraminidase in culture filtrates.
- The enzyme hydrolyzed N-acyl-neuraminic acid glycoprotein and acted on human erythrocytes.
- N-acetyl-neuraminic acid was released from erythrocytes in a time-dependent manner upon incubation with G42 cells.
- Neuraminidase activity was detected in five out of 32 clinical isolates studied.
Conclusions:
- Neuraminidase production is a characteristic found in some clinical isolates of Candida albicans.
- The ability of C. albicans to produce neuraminidase warrants further investigation regarding its role in pathogenicity.
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