In vitro evaluation of hydrolytic enzyme activity and biofilm formation of Candida parapsilosis species complex from a nosocomial environment

Shaiana Paula-Mattiello,Sílvia Dias De Oliveira,Renata Medina-Silva

doi:10.1590/0037-8682-0032-2017

Abstract

Candida parapsilosis complex species, frequently found in hospital environments, have gained importance as etiological agents of candidemia. Candida parapsilosis complex isolates from a nosocomial environment were identified and their hydrolitic enzyme activity and ability to form biofilm were characterized. Twenty-two C. parapsilosis sensu stricto isolates produced proteinase and three produced phospholipase. Most Candida metapsilosis isolates produced proteinase and one also produced phospholipase. All 29 isolates formed biofilms. The nosocomial environment may act as a reservoir for C. parapsilosis complex isolates with phenotypic features that could possibly lead to nosocomial infections and health complications in hospital patients.

Highlights

Candida parapsilosis complex species, frequently found in hospital environments, have gained importance as etiological agents of candidemia
Most data regarding the ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes and biofilm formation has been obtained using clinical C. albicans isolates[1,5]; to date, few studies have investigated these properties in C. parapsilosis complex isolates
The present study evaluated the ability of 29 C. parapsilosis complex isolates present in hospital settings to produce hydrolytic enzymes and form biofilms

Summary

Introduction

Frequently found in hospital environments, have gained importance as etiological agents of candidemia. Candida parapsilosis complex species (Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Candida orthopsilosis, and Candida metapsilosis) are often isolated from nosocomial environments; since the 1990s, they have gained importance as etiological agents of candidemia in hospitals in different countries[1]. The pathogenicity of Candida species may be at least partly due to their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, such as phospholipases (PLs) and aspartyl proteinases (SAPs), which are considered important factors for C. parapsilosis adherence, tissue penetration, and host invasion[3].

Results

Conclusion