Identification and Evaluation of Drug Resistance and Exoenzymes in Candida albicans Isolated from Nails#

Background and Objective: Candidiasis is the most common yeast-related infection worldwide, with infections caused by Candida albicans increasing over the past two decades. Limited information exists regarding its pathogenic characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate drug resistance, pathogenicity, and biological mechanisms of C. albicans to inform prevention and treatment strategies.Materials and Methods: Antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin, phospholipase and proteinase activities, and biofilm formation were assessed in ۲۶ C. albicans isolates obtained from patients’ nails. Identification was confirmed on CHROMagar medium.Results: Phospholipase activity was high in ۶ isolates, moderate in ۱۴, and low in ۶. Proteinase activity was high in ۳ isolates, moderate in ۵, and low in ۱۸. All isolates formed biofilms. MIC testing revealed fluconazole susceptibility in ۸۹.۵% of isolates; amphotericin B, ۱۰۰%; voriconazole, ۹۰%; and caspofungin, ۸۰%. Intermediate or dose-dependent responses were observed in the remaining isolates, with ۱۰.۵% resistance to caspofungin.Conclusion: Candida albicans employs multiple pathogenic mechanisms, posing a persistent risk for infections. Antifungal susceptibility assessment is essential for selecting effective treatments and designing preventive measures.

کلیدواژه ها:

candidiasis ، Virulence factors ، antifungal susceptibility ، Phospholipase ، proteinase ، Biofilm ، MIC