Abstract
The virulence factors of Candida albicans are germ tube and biofilm formation, adherence to host tissues, and production of hydrolytic enzymes. This study investigated the effect of Dodonaea viscosa var. angustifolia extract on the germ tube and biofilm formation of C. albicans. Serum containing the three subinhibitory concentrations of leaf extract was inoculated with C. albicans, incubated, and viewed under a light microscope. Number of cells with germ tube was recorded and the results were analysed using Scheffe test for pairwise comparison. Biofilms were grown on coverslips in the presence of plant extracts and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Planktonic cells were grown in the presence of plant extract for 6 h and processed for electron microscopy (TEM). The crude plant extract significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the germ tube formation of C. albicans at 3.125 (85.36%), 1.56 (61.91%), and 0.78 mg/mL (26.27%) showing a concentration dependent effect. SEM results showed concentration dependent reduction in biofilm and hyphae formation. TEM results showed that the plant extract caused damage to the cell wall and cell membrane. DVA extract has ability to reduce virulence of C. albicans by inhibiting germ tube and biofilm formation through damage to the cell wall. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential.
Highlights
Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection of the oral cavity which usually occurs in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals [1]
Subinhibitory concentrations of D. viscosa var. angustifolia (DVA) extract significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited the germ tube formation by C. albicans at all test concentrations compared to the control (Figure 1)
Commensal C. albicans yeast cells usually exist within biofilms in the oral cavity, vagina, on prostheses, and medical implants
Summary
Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection of the oral cavity which usually occurs in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals [1]. Candida albicans is the most common species of yeast isolated from patients with oral candidiasis [2]. It can cause superficial infections such as thrush and denture stomatitis; in more severe cases, it causes life-threatening systemic mycoses. Most of these commensal C. albicans cells proliferate as budding yeasts. Other virulence properties are adherence to host tissues and prostheses and ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes. C. albicans cells bearing germ tubes are more adherent to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) than yeast forms of C. albicans [5] due to the antigens found on germ tubes [6]
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