<i>In vitro</i> evaluation of proteinase, phospholipase and haemolysin activities of <i>Candida</i> species isolated from clinical specimens

Abstract

Background: Virulence attributes of Candida species include adherence to host tissues, morphological changes and secretion of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. These enzymes play pivotal roles in pathogenicity of candida infection. Aim: The present study aimed to determine phospholipase, proteinase and haemolysin activities in Candida species isolated from various clinical samples. Material and Method: A total of 110 Candida species isolated from various clinical specimens were identified up to species level by standard mycological techniques and were tested for extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activity. Results: Phospholipase activity was in 60.9% of isolates, 59.1% produced proteinase and haemolysin activity was demonstrated seen in 51.8% of Candida isolates. Maximum strains of Candida albicans produced extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Among Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, phospholipase and proteinase activity was higher in C.tropicalis whereas, haemolysin production was more in C.dubliniensis. Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded, that both C. albicans and NAC species produce of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Since these enzymes are important to understand the co-relation between the species and infection their detection is extremely important.

Keywords: Extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, phospholipase, proteinase, haemolysin, non-albicans Candida species