(2016) Phenotypic switching of Candida tropicalis is associated with cell damage in epithelial cells and virulence in Galleriamellonella model, Virulence, 7:4,[379][380][381][382][383][384][385][386]

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Hemolytic factor production by pathogenic Candida species is considered an important attribute in promoting survival within the mammal host through the ability to assimilate iron from the hemoglobin-heme group. Hemolytic capability has been evaluated for Candida species based on hemolysis zones on plate assay, analysis of hemolytic activity in liquid culture medium, and hemolysis from cell-free culture broth. The production of hemolytic factor is variable among Candida species, where C. parapsilosis is the less hemolytic species. In general, no intraspecies differences in beta-hemolytic activities are found among isolates belonging to C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. The production of hemolytic factor by Candida species is affected by several factors such as glucose supplementation in the culture medium, blood source, presence of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, and presence of electrolytes. On the basis of existing achievements, more researches are still needed in order to extend our knowledge about the biochemical nature of hemolytic molecules produced by distinct Candida species, the mechanism of hemolysis, and the molecular basis of the hemolytic factor expression.

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Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important source of food contamination that presents risks to human health. Several industrial food processes eliminate this microorganism; however, these processes can alter the characteristics of the product. Alternative methods of preservation have been identified as an option to control these foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of bacteriocins produced by Enterococcus durans MF5 in STEC cells. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) containing enterocins from the MF5 isolate was tested over different time points (6, 18, and 24 h). Enterocins present in the crude CFS showed inhibition against STEC at all time points. In the investigation of cell integrity, using propidium iodide and fluorescence microscopy, considerable cell death was observed within 6 h of the cells being in contact with the enterocins, which was also observed at the 18 and 24 h time points. These results showed that the enterocins produced by the MF5 isolate have potential use in the control of STEC.

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Introduction: Administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via catheters increases the risk for candidemia from Candida parapsilosis. Methods: C. parapsilosis sensu stricto blood isolates were evaluated for ability total biomass biofilm formation and morphogenesis in presence of glucose at TPN equivalent concentrations. Results: Biofilms were increased at high glucose concentrations (25-30%) compared to the control medium. Significant increase in filamentous forms was observed in cultures with 30% glucose. Conclusions: Biofilm formation by C. parapsilosis sensu stricto in hyperglycidic medium may contribute to its pathogenic potential for fungemia related to TPN catheters.

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