Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Candida albicans is the most common etiologic agent of fungal vaginitis. These yeasts produce secreted aspartyl proteinases encoded by a family of 10 genes (SAP1-10). Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the presence of genes SAP1-7 in vulvovaginal C. albicans. Materials and method: The study included 26 C. albicans vaginal isolates. Detection of aspartyl proteases genes (SAP1-7) was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The most frequent gene in C. albicans isolated from colonization was SAP6 (93.33%), and from infection, SAP7 (100%). We observed a statistical difference (p = 0.049) in SAP1 gene frequency between isolates from vulvovaginal colonization and infection. Conclusion: High frequency of SAP genes was observed in vulvovaginal C. albicans. The results suggest SAP1 participation in vulvovaginal candidiasis infection.
Highlights
Candida albicans is the most common etiologic agent of fungal vaginitis
By means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, it was possible to detect the presence of SAP1-7 genes in clinical isolates of C. albicans
After molecular analysis of C. albicans isolated in women with symptoms of VVC, the presence of SAP1 gene was identified in 90.9% (10/11), SAP2 in 63.63% (7/11), SAP3 in 45.45% (5/11), SAP4 in 90.9% (10/11), SAP5 in 72.72% (8/11), SAP6 in 72.72% (8/11), and SAP7 in 100% (11/11) of the samples
Summary
Candida albicans is the most common etiologic agent of fungal vaginitis. These yeasts produce secreted aspartyl proteinases encoded by a family of 10 genes (SAP1-10). Results: The most frequent gene in C. albicans isolated from colonization was SAP6 (93.33%), and from infection, SAP7 (100%). We observed a statistical difference (p = 0.049) in SAP1 gene frequency between isolates from vulvovaginal colonization and infection. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an endogenous infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. The species of Candida are microorganisms commonly found in the microbiota of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts without causing disease, but when the balance between fungus and host is disturbed, there is an increase in colonization, and the fungus invades tissues, initiating the infectious process[6, 7]. Candida species can be found in up to 50% of healthy women without causing symptoms; around
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