Adhesion, biofilm formation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and antifungal planktonic susceptibility: relationship among Candida spp.

Abstract

We have performed the characterization of the adhesion profile, biofilm formation, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and antifungal susceptibility of 184 Candida clinical isolates obtained from different human reservoirs. Adhesion was quantified using a flow cytometric assay and biofilm formation was evaluated using two methodologies: XTT and crystal violet assay. CSH was quantified with the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons test while planktonic susceptibility was assessed accordingly the CLSI protocol for yeast M27-A3 S4. Yeast cells of non-albicans species exhibit increased ability to adhere and form biofilm. However, the correlation between adhesion and biofilm formation varied according to species and also with the methodology used for biofilm assessment. No association was found between strain's site of isolation or planktonic antifungal susceptibility and adhesion or biofilm formation. Finally CSH seemed to be a good predictor for biofilm formation but not for adhesion. Despite the marked variability registered intra and inter species, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis were the species exhibiting high adhesion profile. C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, and C. krusei revealed higher biofilm formation values in terms of biomass. C. parapsilosis was the species with lower biofilm metabolic activity.

Functional Genomic Analysis of Candida albicans Adherence Reveals a Key Role for the Arp2/3 Complex in Cell Wall Remodelling and Biofilm Formation

“…A compelling body of evidence suggests that alterations in cell surface hydrophobicity due to the presence or absence of hydrophobic membrane proteins or the formation of germ tubes impacts Candida adhesion and biofilm formation [12–14]. Cell surface hydrophobicity can be quantified by measuring the value of the water contact angle when a droplet of water is placed on a layer of cells.…”

Investigating the BSA protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion of Al‐alloy surfaces after creating a hierarchical (micro/nano) superhydrophobic structure

“…Initially, bacterial cells attach and colonize in device surfaces that it followed by proliferation, accumulation, and maturation on the device surfaces. By biofilm establishment, it forms a persistent source for bacterial dissemination and infection because bacterial cells or intact sections of biofilm can detach from the biofilm and spread to other parts of the host . In many studies, modifying the surface properties to prevent bacterial attachment (the first step of biofilm formation) and reduce the number of persistent pathogens were performed.…”

Quercetin Assists Fluconazole to Inhibit Biofilm Formations of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida Albicans in In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Managements of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

“…HWP1 was a well-characterized genes encoding an important cell surface protein in C. albicans and mediating mainly tight binding to mucosal cells (such as oral/vaginal epithelial cells) [45,46]. The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of C. albicans was reported to be implicated in the adhesion, biofilm formation and FCZ resistance, as greater CSH mostly resulted in higher ability of adherence to surface, biofilm formation, resistance to FCZ [47,48]. Apart from cell-surface adherence, the adhesins (e.g.…”