Ultrastructural and biochemical studies on Candida albicans after prolonged incubation in sea water

Candida albicans yeast cells suspended in sterilized sea water and cultivated in Brain Heart Infusion broth were compared. Viability, chemical composition, surface hydrophobicity and ultrastructural characteristics showed variations after incubation in sea water. The yeast cells developed some ultrastructural changes after about a month in sea water. The surface hydrophobicity of the yeast cells was gradually reduced, starting from day 16, and continued to decline throughout the 32 days in sea water. A decrease in total carbohydrate, lipid and protein contents was also observed and corresponded with ultrastructural modifications.