Evaluation of Phospholipase Activity in Biofilm Forming Candida Species Isolated from Intensive Care Unit Patients.
Loading...
Date
2013-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate phospholipase activity in biofilm forming Candida spp. isolated from
patients admitted in intensive care unit of rural tertiary care hospital.
Study Design: A total of 135 biofilm forming Candida spp. isolated from various clinical
specimens of patients admitted in ICU were included in the study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Pravara Institute of Medical
Science’s Rural Medical College India, between January 2010 and December 2012.
Methodology: The Candida isolates were identified upto species level by conventional
standard mycological techniques. The biofilm formation was assessed by inoculating the
isolates in conical polystyrene test tube containing Sabouraud’s dextrose broth
supplemented with glucose. Phospholipase activity of biofilm forming Candida isolates was
detected by using egg yolk agar.
Results: Out of 135 biofilm forming Candida spp. included in the study, 60 (44.4%) isolates
were C. albicans. Among non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. C. tropicalis was the major
isolate followed by C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. Phospholipase production was seen in
85 (62.9%) isolates. A total 49 (81.6%) isolates of C. albicans showed phospholipase
activity. Among NAC spp. maximum phospholipase activity was seen in C. tropicalis and C.
glabrata.
Conclusion: Biofilm formed by the Candida spp. tend to be more resistant to antifungal drugs. Though C. albicans the most common species associated with Candida biofilms, the
emergence of NAC spp. is of concern. NAC spp. shows varying degree of resistance either
intrinsic or acquired or both to commonly used antifungal drugs. The isolation of NAC spp.
from clinical specimens is no longer overlooked as these organisms are emerging
pathogens. The virulence factors like biofilm formation and phospholipase activity is also
noted in NAC spp. The study of these virulence factors would help in understanding the
pathogenic role of NAC spp.
Description
Keywords
Biofilm, Candida spp., phospholipase activity, non-albicans Candida species
Citation
Deorukhkar Sachin, Saini Santosh. Evaluation of Phospholipase Activity in Biofilm Forming Candida Species Isolated from Intensive Care Unit Patients. British Microbiology Research Journal. 2013 July; 3(3): 440-447.