Effect of iron deprivation on surface composition and virulence determinants of Candida albicans

Six strains of Candida albicans were grown in defined medium which had been deferrated by ion-exchange chromatography and then supplemented with FeCl3 to give iron concentrations ranging from 0.026 microM to 0.8 microM. Growth in 0.026 microM-iron (measured as increase in biomass) was reduced by 26-59% as compared with that in excess (0.8 microM) iron. With five of the strains, adhesion to buccal epithelial cells was maximal after growth in 0.2-0.4 microM-iron, but strain GDH 2023 adhered best when grown in 0.026 microM-iron. Differences in yeast cell-wall composition were revealed by Zymolyase treatment of whole cells and by 125I-labelling of surface proteins. SDS-PAGE of iodinated proteins, followed by autoradiography, showed quantitative but no qualitative differences in protein profiles of iron-deficient and iron-replete organisms. The ability of all strains to form germ tubes in serum was near-maximal after growth in 0.2-0.4 microM-iron but was inhibited by up to 93% following growth in lower concentrations. These results indicate that expression of important virulence attributes by C. albicans is highly dependent on available iron and that expression in vivo may therefore be significantly different from that observed under conventional laboratory conditions.     

Extracellular polymer of Candida albicans: isolation, analysis and role in adhesion

Extracellular polymeric material (EP) was isolated from culture supernatants of Candida albicans grown on carbon sources (50 mM-glucose, 500 mM-sucrose or 500 mM-galactose) known to promote yeast adhesion to different extents. Galactose-grown yeasts, which are the most adherent, produced more EP than sucrose-grown organisms, particularly after incubation for 5 d, while glucose-grown yeasts (the least adherent) gave the lowest yield. EP produced on all three carbon sources was of similar composition and contained carbohydrate (65 to 82%; mannose with some glucose), protein (7%), phosphorus (0.5%) and glucosamine (1.5%). Serological studies indicated that these EP preparations were immunologically identical but that galactose-grown yeasts had more antigenic determinants than sucrose-grown organisms while glucose-grown yeasts had the fewest determinants. Antigenic differences were apparent between EP preparations of some strains of C. albicans. Pretreatment of acrylic strips with EP to form a polymeric coating promoted yeast adhesion to the acrylic surface, but similar pretreatment of buccal epithelial cells with EP inhibited subsequent yeast adhesion. These results indicate that EP originates from the cell surface of C. albicans and that it contains the surface component(s), probably mannoprotein in nature, responsible for yeast adhesion.     

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry as a method for inter-strain discrimination of Candida albicans

A claim that Candida albicans strains NCPF 3153 and B311 were identical was investigated. Authentic strains were shown to be distinct (P less than 0.1%) by pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PyMS). Of twelve strains, provided as clones of NCPF 3153, seven were authenticated, one yielded an equivocal result and four were distinct from both NCPF 3153 and B311. Of eight B311 clones, six were authenticated and two yielded equivocal results. Although five non-C. albicans yeast strains were identified as distinct from B311 and NCPF 3153, Torulopsis glabrata NCPF 3240 was identified as B311, and one clinical isolate of C. albicans as NCPF 3153. This could be explained by the specificity of the mathematical analysis for discrimination between the authentic strains.     

Characterization of Candida antigens by crossed-immunoaffinoelectrophoresis

The antigens of three Candida albicans strains (3153 A, 3156 B and CBS 1905) and one C. tropicalis strain were studied by means of crossed-immunoaffinoelectrophoresis with the corresponding polyvalent antisera. Most antigens (from 63.8% to 77.7% depending on the strain) were bound to concanavalin A-sepharose and about 20% to blue cibacron-sepharose for all the strains tested. Free concanavalin A, wheat germ lectin-sepharose and Helix pomatia lectin-sepharose revealed differences between C. albicans 3153 A and C. albicans CBS 1905 on the one hand and C. albicans 3156 B and C. tropicalis on the other, since affinity percentages were from 4.2 to 10.2 and from 14.2 to 20.0 respectively. Among 10 previously described species-specific antigens of C. albicans, 4 were never bound and 5 were bound to concanavalin A-sepharose which was considered an unsuitable agent for antigen purification since it retained 77% of C. albicans antigens. One important species-specific antigen was bound to blue cibacron sepharose and the corresponding purification could be undertaken. Similar results were found for 12 species-specific antigens of C. tropicalis. Blue cibacron-sepharose as well as wheat germ lectin or Helix pomatia lectin-sepharose were found suitable agents for purification of some of them.     

Deoxyribonucleic acid-deficient strains of Candida albicans.

We analyzed a series of germ tube-negative variants isolated from Candida albicans 3153A for deoxyribonucleic acid content. As analyzed by flow microfluorometry, the deoxyribonucleic acid level in these variant strains was 50% of that of the parental strain and equivalent to that of haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This finding was confirmed by comparison of survival rates when exposed to the mutagens ultraviolet light, ethyl methane sulfonate, and methyl methane sulfonate. The diameter of the variant cells as compared to the diameter of the parental 3153A strain showed a relationship similar to that of the diameters of haploid versus diploid S. cerevisiae. These results indicate that those strains may be representative of the imperfect stage of C. albicans.     

Nutritional stress proteins in Candida albicans

Starving cells of Candida albicans synthesize at least seven proteins that represent nutritional-stress proteins (NSP). Such NSPs are formed by both germination-competent and germination-deficient strains of C. albicans. Heat-shock proteins (HSP) are not formed by starving cells. Germination-competent cells synthesize specific sets of proteins when incubated in a starvation medium that contains the germ-tube-inducing substances N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or L-proline. Both sets of induced proteins were also synthesized by a germination-deficient strain of C. albicans.     

Evaluation of the role of Candida albicans agglutinin-like sequence (Als) proteins in human oral epithelial cell interactions

The fungus C. albicans uses adhesins to interact with human epithelial surfaces in the processes of colonization and pathogenesis. The C. albicans ALS (agglutinin-like sequence) gene family encodes eight large cell-surface glycoproteins (Als1-Als7 and Als9) that have adhesive function. This study utilized C. albicans Δals mutant strains to investigate the role of the Als family in oral epithelial cell adhesion and damage, cytokine induction and activation of a MAPK-based (MKP1/c-Fos) signaling pathway that discriminates between yeast and hyphae. Of the eight Δals mutants tested, only the Δals3 strain showed significant reductions in oral epithelial cell adhesion and damage, and cytokine production. High fungal:epithelial cell multiplicities of infection were able to rescue the cell damage and cytokine production phenotypes, demonstrating the importance of fungal burden in mucosal infections. Despite its adhesion, damage and cytokine induction phenotypes, the Δals3 strain induced MKP1 phosphorylation and c-Fos production to a similar extent as control cells. Our data demonstrate that Als3 is involved directly in epithelial adhesion but indirectly in cell damage and cytokine induction, and is not the factor targeted by oral epithelial cells to discriminate between the yeast and hyphal form of C. albicans.     

Distribution of epitheliocytes by the number of Candida albicans adhered to them and assessment of the intensity of the adhesion in an in vitro test

The study of the adhesion test in suspensions, carried out with 9 C. albicans strains and human buccal epithelial cells, has revealed that these cells are exponentially distributed by the number of C. albicans cells adhered to them. To characterize adhesion, the use of the index of the exponent describing the distribution of epithelial cells is proposed. With the use of this index, 5 C. albicans strains isolated from candidiasis patients have been found to possess, on the average, higher adhesiveness with respect to epithelial cells than 4 strains isolated from persons without symptoms of candidiasis.     

Adherence of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis to buccal and vaginal cells

Twenty-seven Candida albicans strains and 26 Candida dubliniensis strains, isolated from HIV patients, were tested for their adherence to buccal and vaginal epithelial cells. Both species showed important levels of adhesion to buccal and vaginal epithelial cells, although C. albicans showed the highest levels of adhesion. These results suggest that both Candida species are well adapted, in terms of adhesion capability, to the oral and vaginal environment.     

Factors affecting the colonization of isolated rabbit intestinal epithelial cells by Vibrio cholerae 01 in vitro

The adhesive capability of Vibrio cholerae 01 strains to isolated rabbit intestinal epithelial cells was maximally expressed when the bacteria were grown in synthetic broth and was enhanced by the presence of Ca2+ in the growth media. N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine could inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria to rabbit intestinal epithelial cells as could lipopolysaccharide O-antigen from Vibrio cholerae 01 and lectin from Triticum vulgaris. Since the lipopolysaccharide is known to contain N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and because the lectin from Triticum vulgaris shows specificity for this sugar, it is probable that N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is actively involved in the adhesion of Vibrio cholerae 01 to isolated rabbit intestinal epithelial cells.     

Recognition of Candida albicans Als3 by the germ tube-specific monoclonal antibody 3D9.3

Monoclonal antibody 3D9.3 (MAb 3D9.3) reacts with the surface of Candida albicans germ tubes and recognizes a protein epitope. We used a two-step chromatography procedure to purify and identify the antigen (3D9) from C. albicans strain 66396 germ tubes. MAb 3D9.3 recognized two intense protein bands at 140 and 180 kDa. A comparative analysis between theoretical and experimental mass spectrum peaks showed that both bands corresponded to Als3. This conclusion was supported by lack of reactivity between MAb 3D9.3 and an als3 Δ /als3 Δ mutant strain, and the fact that an immunoglobulin preparation enriched for Als3 specificity recognized the purified 3D9 antigen. PCR demonstrated that C. albicans strain 66396 has two different-sized ALS3 alleles that correspond to the two purified protein bands. Strain- and species-specificity of the 3D9 epitope were studied with various C. albicans strains and Candida species, such as closely related Candida dubliniensis . The 3D9 epitope was detected only in C. albicans , demonstrating the utility of MAb 3D9.3 for differentiation between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis . Adhesion assays demonstrated that MAb 3D9.3 blocks adhesion of C. albicans germ tubes to human buccal epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells.     

Overexpression of the actin gene is associated with the morphogenesis of Candida albicans

A progressive increase in the synthesis of actin mRNA was observed by Northern blot analysis, when cells were induced to form germ tubes at 37 degrees C by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Presence of trifluoperazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, or incubation of cells at 25 degrees C, or by replacing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with glucose which inhibited germ tube formation lowered this synthesis. Furthermore, in vitro translation of total RNA revealed an increase in the synthesis of actin (45 kDa) during germ tube formation. These results suggest for the first time that the expression of actin gene is regulated during morphogenesis of C. albicans.     

Murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal Candida albicans colonization to study epithelial host-pathogen interactions

We report the creation of a new low-estrogen murine model of concurrent oral and vaginal C. albicans colonization that resembles human candidal carriage at both mucosal sites. Weekly estrogen administration of 5 microg intramuscular and subcutaneously was optimal for enhancement of oral colonization and was essential for vaginal colonization. In BALB/c mice, a number of C. albicans clinical isolates (n=3) colonized both oral and/or vaginal sites, but only strain 529L colonized 100% of mice persistently for over 5 weeks. Laboratory strains SC5314 and NCPF 3153 did not colonize the model; however, NCPF 3156 showed vaginal colonization up to week 5. Prior passaging through mice enhanced subsequent colonization of SC5314. Intranasal immunization with a C. albicans virulence antigen (secreted aspartyl proteinase 2) significantly reduced or abolished the fungal burden orally and vaginally by week 2 and 7. Our concurrent model of mucosal colonization reduces the numbers of experimental mice by half, can be used to assess potential vaccine candidates, and permits the detailed analysis of host-fungal interactions during the natural state of Candida colonization.     

Differential adhesion of pathogenic Candida species to epithelial and inert surfaces

Abstract Growth in medium containing 500 mM galactose is known to promote the adhesion of Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells or to acrylic in vitro. Of 5 other Candida species tested, only C. tropicalis (one strain) showed substantially increased adhesion to buccal cells (but not to acrylic) after growth under these conditions. A second strain of C. tropicalis as well as C. stellatoidea, C. parapsilosis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. guilliermondii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed little or no increased adhesion to either surface. However, after growth in medium containing 50 mM glucose, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis were significantly more adherent to acrylic than glucose-grown yeasts of the other species, including C. albicans . These results are discussed in relation to the colonization and infection potential of the pathogenic Candida species.     

Effect of various components of the fungal cell wall on adhesion of Candida albicans to the mouth mucosa epithelium in vitro]

An influence of mannan++, its component methyl-D-mannopyranoside+ and N-acetylglucosamine on in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans strains to buccal mucosal epithelium was studied. These substances inhibited adhesion when added to adherence test in a concentration of 10 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml despite whether were added to the test incubation medium or when preincubated with fungi or epithelial cells. Preincubation of fungal cells and epithelial cells with mannan had no influence on attachment; preincubation of epithelial cells with methyl-D-mannopyranoside+ and N-acetylglucosamine decreased adherence significantly. On the other hand preincubation of fungal calls with methyl-D-mannopyranoside+ increased their adhesive properties, having no influence on adherence after preincubation of fungi with N-acetylglucosamine.     

不同宿主源弯曲菌黏附侵袭肠上皮细胞及在鸡肠道内定殖的比较

【背景】弯曲菌(Campylobacter)是重要的人畜共患病原菌,可在多种动物肠道定殖,但不同宿主源弯曲菌对肠上皮细胞的黏附侵袭特征及在鸡肠道内的定殖能力并不明确。【目的】探究不同宿主源弯曲菌对不同宿主肠上皮细胞黏附侵袭及在鸡肠道内定殖能力的差异性。【方法】利用 5株来自不同宿主源弯曲菌,包括人源、鸡源、鸭源和牛源空肠弯曲菌(Campylobacter jejuni)及猪源结肠弯曲菌(Campylobacter coli),在对菌株PCR鉴定、运动力及生物膜形成能力测定的基础上,分别测定各菌株对人源肠上皮细胞Caco-2、猪源肠上皮细胞IPEC-J2和大鼠源肠上皮细胞IEC-6的黏附能力,通过庆大霉素保护试验测定菌株对肠上皮细胞的侵袭能力,比较黏附量和侵袭量的差异;将5株弯曲菌分别口服攻毒鸡,于攻毒后不同日龄(different days post inoculation,DPI)采集肠道样品测定弯曲菌的菌落数,比较不同弯曲菌在鸡肠道内定殖的差异。【结果】人源弯曲菌运动力显著高于其他4株动物源弯曲菌,而牛源和猪源弯曲菌生物膜形成能力显著高于其他菌株。黏附侵袭测定结果显示,人源弯曲菌对Caco-2细胞的黏附能力显著高于动物源弯曲菌,但侵袭能力显著低于动物源弯曲菌;鸭源和牛源弯曲菌对IPEC-J2细胞的黏附能力显著低于其他菌株,而且鸭源弯曲菌的侵袭能力显著低于其他菌株;不同菌株对IEC-6细胞的黏附能力无显著差异,但鸡源弯曲菌侵袭能力显著低于其他菌株。不同弯曲菌口服攻毒鸡后1、3和6d动物源弯曲菌定殖水平显著高于人源,在攻毒后10d和15d仅牛源弯曲菌显著高于人源,于攻毒后15d所有菌株达到约8-10Log₁₀(CFU/g)的稳定定殖水平。【结论】来源于不同宿主的弯曲菌对不同宿主肠上皮细胞均具有黏附侵袭能力,同时可在鸡肠道内稳定定殖,提示弯曲菌在不同动物间传播和适应性定殖的特征,对开展弯曲菌针对性防控措施具有一定的借鉴意义。     

一株源自人体阴道抗真菌的 优势乳杆菌的分离、筛选及鉴定

摘要：目的 筛选并鉴定出可以抗真菌且益生特性优良的乳杆菌菌株,为研制预防和治疗人体真菌性阴道炎症的微生态制剂奠定坚实的理论基础。方法 利用经典的微生物方法,将健康人体阴道内乳杆菌分离出来;利用发酵工程学、细胞生物学以及药理学方法,将分离出的乳杆菌中益生特性优良且可以抑制白假丝酵母菌的优势菌株筛选出来,利用分子生物学方法,将筛选出的优良乳杆菌菌株进行鉴定。结果 筛选出1株产酸性能优良,产过氧化氢,具有较强黏附能力,且能够抑制白假丝酵母菌的优势乳杆菌菌株,此菌株经鉴定为Lactobacillus crispatus。结论 本实验从健康人体阴道内分离、筛选并鉴定出的1株可抗真菌性能优良乳杆菌菌株SQ004,具有制备预防和治疗人体真菌性阴道炎症微生态制剂主要菌株的条件。     

The effect of netilmicin, amikacin, ceftazidime and cefotaxime on the adhesive properties of microorganisms isolated from newborn infants]

The effect of netilmycin, amikacin, ceftazidime and cefotaxime on adhesion of Lactobacillus spp. (14 strains), Escherichia coli (21 strains), Klebsiella pneumonia (15 strains), Enterococcus sp. (18 strains), Candida albicans (15 strains) was investigated. The strains were isolated from respiratory tract and feces of the newborns. Antibiotics were used in the following subtherapeutic and therapeutic concentrations: netilmycin--1.2 and 12.0 micrograms/ml, amikacin--1.8 and 18 micrograms/ml, ceftazidime--7.5 and 75 micrograms/ml, cefotaxime--6.5 and 75 micrograms/ml. Adhesion of C. albicans was investigated with buccal epithelium cells, adhesion of other microorganisms--on formalinized human erythrocytes (1(0)Rh(+)). It was shown that antibiotics in subtherapeutic and therapeutic concentrations inhibited adhesion of the most strains. Cefalosporins demonstrated maximum inhibitory activity. The number of the strains inhibited by cefalosporins and by aminoglycosides enhanced along with antibiotics concentrations enhancement from subtherapeutic to therapeutic concentrations.