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[Dermatophytes do not produce sialidase in vitro]
G Krug1, P Roggentin, R Schauer
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel, BR Deutschland.
Mycoses
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Sialidase (EC 3.2.1.18) production was investigated in dermatophytes. No sialidase activity was detected, suggesting this enzyme is not involved in dermatophyte adhesion or pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
Context:
- Sialidases (EC 3.2.1.18) are microbial enzymes implicated in pathogenicity.
- Dermatophyte adhesion to host epithelia may involve sialidase activity, cleaving sialic acids to facilitate fungal lectin binding.
Purpose:
- To investigate sialidase production in 116 strains of seven dermatophyte species.
- To determine if sialidase activity contributes to dermatophyte pathogenicity and adhesion mechanisms.
Summary:
- Two sensitive assays were used on fungal cell homogenates and supernatants from various media.
- No sialidase activity was detected in any of the dermatophyte strains tested.
- Sialidase activity was confirmed in the control organism Ophiostoma stenoceras, inducible by sialylated mucins.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that a sialidase-dependent pathomechanism is unlikely in dermatophytes.
- This research challenges the proposed role of sialidase in dermatophyte-host interactions.
- Results indicate a need to explore alternative mechanisms for dermatophyte adhesion and pathogenicity.