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In vitro infection of human fetal membranes with Candida species
T Gürgan1, K S Diker, R Haziroglu
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
To assess whether Candida species can penetrate intact fetal membranes under in vitro conditions, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida pseudotropicalis and Candida glabrata were inoculated onto the surface of the maternal side of the membranes obtained from 4 pregnant women undergoing repeat cesarean section. After incubation under culture conditions, membranes were evaluated by histological examination. C. albicans inoculated onto the maternal side penetrated and passed to the fetal side and caused some degeneration of the structure of the membrane epithelium. The other four Candida species grew heavily on the maternal surface but did not penetrate and invade the membranes. This effect of C. albicans on fetal membranes may explain the potential mechanism in the development of Candida infections of the amniotic fluid, fetal membranes and possibly the fetus.
Insights
Candida albicans can penetrate intact fetal membranes, potentially causing infections. Other Candida species tested did not breach the membranes in this in vitro study.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fetal membrane integrity is crucial for a healthy pregnancy.
- Candida species are known opportunistic pathogens.
- Understanding fungal invasion mechanisms is vital for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro capacity of various Candida species to penetrate intact human fetal membranes.
- To determine if Candida albicans exhibits greater invasive potential compared to other species.
Main Methods:
- Fetal membranes were obtained from women undergoing cesarean section.
- Maternal surfaces of membranes were inoculated with five Candida species.
- Membranes were incubated and subsequently analyzed using histological examination.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans successfully penetrated the fetal membranes, reaching the fetal side.
- Candida albicans caused degeneration of the membrane epithelium.
- Candida tropicalis, Candida guilliermondii, Candida pseudotropicalis, and Candida glabrata did not penetrate the membranes but grew on the maternal surface.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans possesses the ability to penetrate intact fetal membranes in vitro.
- This penetration may represent a mechanism for Candida infections of amniotic fluid and the fetus.
- Specific Candida species exhibit varying potentials for fetal membrane invasion.