Genetically distinct strains of Candida albicans with elevated secretory proteinase production are associated with diarrhoea in hospitalized children

Background : Candida albicans has been implicated as the aetiological agent in a significant percentage of children with diarrhoea. The virulence properties of C. albicans strains associated with acute and chronic diarrhoea in hospitalized children were investigated. Methods : The genotypic relation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology 2000-01, Vol.15 (1), p.53-60
Main Authors: Mathaba, Leslie T, Paxman, Adrian E, Ward, Peter B, Forbes, David A, Warmington, John R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acute Disease
adherence
Biological and medical sciences
Candida albicans
Candida albicans - enzymology
Candida albicans - genetics
Candidiasis - complications
Candidiasis - microbiology
Child
Child, Preschool
Chronic Disease
Diarrhea - classification
Diarrhea - microbiology
diarrhoea
Endopeptidases - metabolism
Human mycoses
Humans
Infant
Infectious diseases
Medical sciences
Mycoses
Mycoses of the digestive system
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
restriction enzyme analysis
secretory Candida acid proteinase
Tropical medicine
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Summary:Background : Candida albicans has been implicated as the aetiological agent in a significant percentage of children with diarrhoea. The virulence properties of C. albicans strains associated with acute and chronic diarrhoea in hospitalized children were investigated. Methods : The genotypic relationships between the isolates were determined using restriction enzyme analysis and hybridization with a C. albicans‐specific DNA probe, 27A. Results and Conclusion : In patients with acute and chronic diarrhoea, there is evidence for selection of specific, genetically distinct strains of C. albicans. Higher levels of secretory Candida acid proteinase produced by isolates from patients with acute diarrhoea may account for the more severe symptoms. However, the lower adherence of these isolates may predispose to the rapid (within 2 to 4 days) resolution of the condition. In patients with chronic diarrhoea the lower levels of proteinase produced correlate with the less severe symptoms, while the increased adherence may account for the persistence of the infection.
ISSN:0815-9319
1440-1746
DOI:10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02053.x