Virulence Factors Contributing to Pathogenicity ofCandida tropicalisand Its Antifungal Susceptibility Profile

Abstract

The incidence of invasive candidiasis has increased over the past few decades. AlthoughCandida albicansremains by far the most common species encountered, in recent years shift towards non-albicans Candidaspecies likeCandida tropicalisis noted. Here in this study we determined the virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profile of 125C. tropicalisisolated from various clinical specimens. Biofilm formation was seen in 53 (42.4%) isolates. Coagulase production was noted in 18 (14.4%) isolates. Phospholipase enzyme was the major virulent factor produced byC. tropicalisisolates. A total of 39 biofilm forming isolates showed phospholipase activity. Proteinase activity was demonstrated by 65 (52%) isolates. A total of 38 (30.4%) isolates showed haemolytic activity. Maximum isolates demonstrated resistance to fluconazole. Fluconazole resistance was more common inC. tropicalisisolated from blood cultures. Antifungal resistance was more in isolates possessing the ability to produce phospholipase and biofilm.C. tropicalisexhibit a great degree of variation not only in their pathogenicity but also in their antifungal susceptibility profile. The identification of virulence attributes specific for each species and their correlation with each other will aid in the understanding of the pathogenesis of infection.