2020 Volume 69 Issue 1 Pages 69-74
Candida spp. are dimorphic fungal residents of the normal mucosa such as the oral cavity and intestinal tract. Candida albicans is the most common causative agent of candidiasis; however, an increase in the incidence of candidiasis caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. has been observed. Candida spp. have many pathogenic factors that contribute to the establishment of host infection, such as the production of extracellular secretory enzymes (ESEs). These enzymes are considered to be involved in host destruction and the growth of Candida. In this study, we aimed to measure the activities of ESEs [namely, secreted aspartyl protease (SAP), phospholipase (PL), esterase, hemolysin, and phytase] and compare them in both C. albicans and NAC species. The activities were calculated by the method reported by Price (1982) with modification. C. albicans was positive for all the ESEs. C. glabrata showed activities of mainly PL, hemolysin, and esterase, but no SAP activity or esterase. C. tropicalis was positive for almost all the ESEs, but some strains did not show activities of the ESEs. Candida spp. produce ESEs and may invade the host tissue. The amounts of ESEs produced by the different species and the differences among the species were also determined.
