How much do we know about hemolytic capability of pathogenic Candida species?

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2018 Jul;63(4):405-412. doi: 10.1007/s12223-018-0584-5. Epub 2018 Jan 15.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Candida / classification
  • Candida / metabolism
  • Candida / physiology*
  • Candidemia / microbiology
  • Candidemia / pathology*
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Culture Media / metabolism
  • Hemolysis*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Species Specificity
  • Virulence Factors / biosynthesis
  • Virulence Factors / chemistry

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Virulence Factors
  • mannoproteins