Abstract
Introduction
The ability of the genus Candida to produce secretory enzimes such as proteinase and phospholipases to play an important role in the patogenicity of these yeasts.
Objective
To determine the Candida species isolates from oral cavity infections and to investigate in vitro phospholipase and protease activities in clinically important of the genus Candida isolated in oral candidiasis patients.
Material and method
Candida species isolated of the Fungal Culture Collection of Oral Microbiology and Pathology Testing Service Laboratory of the Dentistry Departament of Faculdade da Serra Gaúcha were evaluated. The phospholipases detection was assayed using the egg yolk agar plate method. Determination of protease production was performed in agar plates containing bovine serum albumine and yeasts extract.
Result
A total of 35 isolates of the genus Candida were tested. C. albicans was the species predominant (77% of isolates), followed by C. parapsilosis (20%) and C. tropicalis (2%). When compared the phospholipase activity of the C. albicans group with the non-albicans Candida species types group was observed significant difference among of this groups (P=0.04). No statiscally significant difference between the C.albicans and non-albicans Candida species types when was compared to proteinase production. Proteinase production was higher and statiscally significant when compared to phospholipase activity in the genus Candida isolates (P=0.04). Statiscally significant differences were found between phosphoplipases and proteases activity for C. albicans when compared to non-albicans Candida species types (P=0.02).
Conclusion
Differences in the secretion rates of phospholipase extracellular and proteases activity have been attributed to clinical strains of C. albicans when compared to others Candida species types.
Descriptors:
Extracellular enzymes; Candida spp.; virulence factors
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