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Candida dubliniensis: phylogeny and putative virulence factors
Gregor D Gilfillan1, Sullivan Derek J2,3, Tanya Parkinson1
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 ZZD, UK.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|May 14, 1998
Summary
Candida dubliniensis, a species related to Candida albicans, shows distinct oral colonization traits and sensitivity to antifungals. This research clarifies its unique characteristics and potential as an oral pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Candida dubliniensis is a recently identified fungal species.
- It is closely related to Candida albicans and implicated in oral candidosis, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationship between Candida dubliniensis and Candida albicans.
- To compare putative virulence factors of these two species.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using small rRNA subunit gene sequencing.
- Assessment of hyphal formation under various induction conditions.
- Adherence assays to human buccal epithelial cells.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing.
- Detection of secretory aspartyl proteinase (SAP) gene homologues.
- In vivo virulence assays in a mouse model.
Main Results:
- Candida dubliniensis occupies a distinct phylogenetic position.
- It forms true hyphae under most conditions but not with N-acetylglucosamine.
- Oral C. dubliniensis isolates exhibit higher adherence to buccal cells in glucose.
- All tested C. dubliniensis isolates were susceptible to common antifungal drugs.
- Homologues of seven C. albicans SAP genes were found in C. dubliniensis.
- C. dubliniensis showed marginally lower virulence than C. albicans in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Candida dubliniensis is phenotypically and genotypically distinct from Candida albicans.
- The species appears adapted for colonization of the oral cavity.