Ghazal Golalizadeh۱, Maral Golalizadeh۱, Nakisa Sohrabi Haghdoust۲, Maryam Ataee۳, Amir Ali Anvar۳ Corresponding Author: Maral Golalizadeh DVM, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Department of Food Hygiene, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Background: Candida albicans is one of the most important and common fungal pathogens in humans and animals. Several factors contribute to its pathogenicity, among which the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as phospholipase, protease, and hemolysin is significant, since they are essential for fungal survival and host tissue invasion. On the other hand, the consumption of unpasteurized and even pasteurized milk has been associated with the spread of microbial diseases in humans. Contamination of milk and dairy products with microorganisms, including fungi, not only threatens consumer safety but also leads to spoilage and toxin production, making these products unsuitable for consumption. Given the concerns about the safety of chemical preservatives, attention has increasingly turned toward natural alternatives, such as plant-derived essential oils. Methods: In this study, the essential oil of Satureja khuzistanica (Khuzestan savory) was prepared, and its antifungal activity was evaluated against C. albicans isolates from dairy products. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined using the broth microdilution method, with fluconazole serving as the control drug. The production of phospholipase, protease, and hemolysin enzymes by C. albicans was also assessed. Results: The results indicated that the essential oil of S. khuzistanica had no significant effect on phospholipase production. However, it markedly reduced the production of protease and hemolysin enzymes. Conclusion: Since C.albicans requires protease and hemolysin enzymes for host tissue penetration and survival, the essential oil of S. khuzistanica may be considered as a potential natural agent capable of disrupting its pathogenic mechanisms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Candida albicans ، Marzeh ، Microorganism ، Enzyme