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Adherence of Candida albicans to a fibrin-platelet matrix formed in vitro
Abstract:
The adherence of Candida albicans to a fibrin-platelet matrix formed in vitro was studied. Platelet-rich plasma obtained from rabbits was incubated with thrombin and CaCl2 to form a clot in tissue culture dishes. Such clots were then infected with 3 x 10(7) C. albicans cells per 0.3 ml prelabeled with [U14C]-glucose, and the percent adherence was measured after 30 min of incubation by counting the radioactivity in saline washes of the clot as well as a streptokinase-streptodornase digest of the corresponding clot. Heat- and formaldehyde-killed cells did not adhere as well as viable cells. Pretreatment of C. albicans with trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pronase reduced adherence to the clots. Normal rabbit serum and anti-Candida antiserum also inhibited adherence 40 and 100%, respectively, Diethylaminoethyl-purified anti-Candida gamma globulin (1:8) completely inhibited adherence, whereas purified normal serum gamma globulin did not. Several Candida spp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed differences in their ability to adhere to clots. C. albicans and C. stellatoidea presented the highest adherence, whereas C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, and S. cerevisiae adhered less readily. Other species were intermediate in their ability to adhere.
Insights
Candida albicans efficiently adheres to fibrin-platelet clots, a process mediated by viable cells and influenced by surface proteins. Specific antibodies significantly inhibit this fungal adherence.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- The interaction between fungi and host matrices is crucial for infection.
- Fibrin-platelet matrices are involved in hemostasis and can serve as a substrate for microbial colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence of Candida albicans to an in vitro fibrin-platelet matrix.
- To identify factors influencing Candida adherence to this matrix.
Main Methods:
- Formation of fibrin-platelet clots from rabbit platelet-rich plasma.
- Incubation of clots with radiolabeled Candida albicans.
- Quantification of adherence by measuring radioactivity in clot washes and digests.
- Assessment of the effect of cell viability, enzymatic pretreatment, and antibodies on adherence.
Main Results:
- Viable Candida albicans adhered significantly better than killed cells.
- Enzymatic pretreatment (trypsin, chymotrypsin, pronase) reduced adherence.
- Anti-Candida antibodies, particularly purified gamma globulin, markedly inhibited adherence.
- Species-specific differences in adherence were observed, with Candida albicans and Candida stellatoidea showing the highest adherence.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans utilizes surface components for adherence to fibrin-platelet matrices.
- Immune components, like antibodies, play a role in modulating fungal adherence.
- Adherence capabilities vary among Candida species and related yeasts.