Hyphal wall protein 1 gene and Biofilm formation among Candida albicans isolates from Ain Shams University Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is considered a common fungal pathogen, many genes like HWP1 regulates formation of biofilm which is considered as an important mediator of pathogenicity of this organism. Objective: to assess the ability of C. albicans to form biofilm and to determine the association of hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene and biofilm forming ability of isolates. Methodology: This study was conducted on 30 C. albicans isolates. Detection of biofilm formation was performed by using tissue culture plate method then polymerase chain reaction was done to detect HWP1 gene. Results: Biofilm forming isolates were 14 (46.7%) among tested isolates while HWP1 gene was found in 13 isolates (43.3%). Regarding antifungal susceptibility all isolates were susceptible to Fluconazole, voriconazole, micafungin, and flucytosine, while 93.3% of isolates were found susceptible to amphotericin-B and caspofungin. Conclusion: The rate of biofilm formation among C. albicans is high and is highly associated to presence of HWP1 gene.