Infect Immun, 1990 Jan, 58(1), 107 - 13 Correlates of cell-mediated immunity in Candida albicans-colonized gnotobiotic mice; Balish E et al.; Germfree athymic (nu/nu) and euthymic (nu/+) mice were colonized with a pure culture of Candida albicans . Correlates of cell-mediated immunity (lymphocyte proliferation and footpad responses to C . albicans antigens) and in vivo clearance of mucosal infections were assessed at different time intervals after alimentary tract colonization . C . albicans hyphae infected the dorsal surface of the tongue and the cardial section of the stomach in both nu/nu and nu/+ mice within 1 week after colonization with a pure culture of C . albicans . With time after colonization and infection with C . albicans, nu/+ mice manifested positive lymphocyte proliferation and positive footpad responses to Candida antigens that appeared to correlate with the capacity to clear Candida hyphae from the dorsal surface of the tongue and in the stomach . Conversely, nu/nu mice could not clear mucosal candidosis (in the stomach and on the tongue) and did not manifest either lymphocyte proliferation or footpad swelling in response to C . albicans antigens . These studies indicated that T-cell-mediated immunity may play a role in the acquired resistance of mice to mucosal candidosis . Since neither nu/nu nor nu/+ mice developed a progressive systemic disease, T cells apparently do not play a prominent role in murine resistance to systemic candidosis of endogenous origin. Microbiol Immunol, 1990, 34(5), 413 - 26 Effect of N-acetylchitohexaose against Candida albicans infection of tumor-bearing mice; Kobayashi M et al.; A water-soluble oligosaccharide, N-acetylchitohexaose (NACOS-6), was able to enhance the protective effect against Candida albicans infection in mice during the early phase of tumor-bearing . A significant decrease in the number of C . albicans cells in the kidneys of NACOS-6-treated tumor-bearing mice was observed 8 days after the fungal infection, or 15 days after the tumor transplantation . The candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from NACOS-6-treated tumor-bearing mice did not differ from that of NACOS-6-untreated tumor-bearing mice . On the other hand, the candidacidal activities of both macrophages and T lymphocytes increased following administration of NACOS-6 in the early phase of tumor-bearing . The culture supernatant of T lymphocytes from NACOS-6-treated tumor-bearing mice also potentiated the candidacidal activity of casein-induced macrophages . An enhancement of natural killer cell activity of splenic lymphocytes obtained from NACOS-6-treated tumor-bearing mice was also observed. Cytometry, 1990, 11(5), 610 - 6 Flow cytometric assay for the measurement of human bone marrow phenotype, function and cell cycle; Lund-Johansen F et al.; A flow cytometric assay for the measurement of human bone marrow and blood leukocyte antigen expression, phagocytosis, and proliferation is described . Subpopulations of leukocytes were identified by their light scatter characteristics, and the expression of a myeloid differentiation antigen (designated CDw65) determined following incubation with CDw65 specific fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated monoclonal antibodies (VIM2) . Incubation of leukocytes with ethidium monoazide (EMA) labeled Candida albicans followed by staining with FITC conjugated VIM2 allowed the combined determination of cellular CDw65 expression and phagocytic capacity . In addition, immunostained leukocytes were fixed, and their DNA labeled with propidium iodide (PI), before CDw65 expression was measured for cells in different phases of the cell cycle . The method allows evaluation of phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, as well as cell cycle parameters, within subpopulations of cells during hematopoietic differentiation. Fortschr Ophthalmol, 1990, 87(3), 237 - 40 {Natamycin (pimaricin) in the treatment of experimental keratomycosis}; Behrens-Baumann W et al.; The efficacy of natamycin (pimaricin) was studied and compared with the standard amphotericin B, using a reproducible model of keratomycosis from Candida albicans in the rabbit . C . albicans DSM 70010 (2.5 X 10(5) cells) was injected into the corneal stroma of both eyes . All eyes developed a corneal ulcer without pretreatment with immunosuppressive agents . Forty-eight hours after inoculation, the animals were divided into five groups: I (10 eyes) and II (12 eyes) receiving natamycin drops, 1%; groups III (12 eyes) and IV (12 eyes) receiving natamycin, 2.5%; the control group (14 eyes) receiving 0.9% NaCl . For better penetration of the drug, the epithelium of groups I and III was removed every 3rd day . Half of the control group was debrided as well . In a further series, the penetration of natamycin into the cornea and aqueous humor was studied . There was no difference between the treated eyes and the control eyes concerning complications (descemetocele or perforation) . It is concluded that natamycin (pimaricin) is inferior to amphotericin B and not effective in controlling experimental keratomycosis. Mycoses, 1990 Jan, 33(1), 7 - 19 An animal model for oropharyngeal, esophageal and gastric candidosis; Cole GT et al.; Conventional mice inoculated with Candida albicans by the oral-intragastric route as infants (6-day-old) have previously been shown to develop gastrointestinal (GI) candidosis which persists for at least 30-60 days post-challenge without the use of compromising procedures . Histological preparations of the stomachs of these animals reveal hyphae which have crossed the mucin barrier and are associated with the stratified squamous epithelium of the gastric mucosa primarily in the region of the cardial-atrium fold . Host inflammatory cells are frequently observed adjacent to these filaments and yeast cells . In this study, groups of neonates were challenged oral-intragastrically with either C . albicans strain CA30, or strain CA87 . The two strains showed marked differences in the numbers of cells associated with tissue of the tongue, esophagus and stomach of non-immunocompromised mice at 20 days post-inoculation . After immunocompromising treatment by intraperitoneal administration of cyclosphosphamide and cortisone acetate, both groups of mice showed extensive colonization and tissue invasion of the tongue, proximal and distal portions of the esophagus, and cardial-atrium fold of the stomach . C . albicans-containing abscesses were occasionally observed on the tongue of these animals . Histological preparations of the cardiac antrum, located at the junction of esophagus and stomach, frequently revealed concentrations of hyphae and yeast cells associated with the stratified squamous epithelium . We suggest that these non-immunocompromised and immunocompromised mice with persistent C . albicans infections of oropharyngeal, esophageal and gastric tissue, initiated by oral-intragastric challenge at infancy, simulates conditions in different groups of chronically infected humans, and serves as a useful model for testing the efficacy of anti-Candida drugs in clearance of candidosis from the alimentary canal. Scand J Urol Nephrol . 1990;24(1):81. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of a kidney stone complicated with Candida albicans septicaemia and endophthalmitis . Case report; Westh H et al.; Following a routine extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of a kidney stone, candida septicaemia and eight days later candida endophthalmitis developed. Indian J Gastroenterol, 1990 Jan, 9(1), 95 - 6 Severe duodenal candidiasis in a patient with IgA deficiency and T cell defects; Singh S et al.; Candida albicans was found to repeatedly colonise and invade the duodenal ulcer base in a 45 years old otherwise healthy patient receiving H2 receptor antagonists for a prolonged period . He had no delayed hypersensitivity to Candida skin test, and had T cell deficiency, abnormality in T cell blast transformation, defective macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) and IgA hypogammaglobulinemia . When treated with ketoconazole alone his ulcer healed completely . Ulcer scar biopsy and aspirates revealed no Candida and anti candidal antibodies disappeared from his serum . His T cell blastoid transformation, MIF and skin DTH to Candida were restored to normal levels, but IgA levels remained unchanged . Thus H2 receptor antagonists probably caused abnormalities in T helper cells leading to lymphokine unresponsiveness and subsequently loss of cellular immunity to candidal antigen . This combined with prior IgA immunodeficiency resulted into severe invasive candidiasis. Br J Ophthalmol, 1990 Jan, 74(1), 40 - 2 Topical fluconazole for experimental candida keratitis in rabbits; Behrens-Baumann W et al.; Using a reproducible model of Candida albicans keratitis in rabbits we studied the effect of topical fluconazole, a new triazole . Candida albicans DSM 70010 (2.5 X 10(5) cells) was injected into the corneal stroma of both eyes of 21 rabbits . All eyes developed a corneal ulcer . Forty-eight hours after inoculation the animals were divided into three groups: (1) 14 eyes, received fluconazole (2 mg/ml) and the epithelium subsequently removed; (2) 14 eyes, received only fluconazole drops; (3) 14 eyes, received 0.9% NaCl: half of this group was also debrided . We applied one drop of either substance 10 times a day for 24 days . A further six rabbits were used to judge if the drug penetrated into the cornea and aqueous humour . There was a highly significant difference between the fluconazole groups (1,2) and the control group (3) as to hypopyon and complications (descemetocele, corneal perforation) as well as recultivation of C . albicans from corneal tissue . The difference between the fluconazole groups with and without debridement was not significant . The drug penetrated into the cornea and aqueous humour of both uninflamed and inflamed eyes. J Dent Res, 1990 Jan, 69(1), 2 - 6 Structural relationship between human salivary histatins; Troxler RF et al.; Histatins are a group of electrophoretically distinct histidine-rich polypeptides with microbicidal activity found in human parotid and submandibular gland secretions . Recently, we have shown that histatins 1, 3, and 5 are homologous proteins that consist of 38, 32, and 24 amino acid residues, respectively, and that these polypeptides kill the pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans . We now describe the isolation and structural characterization of histatins 2, 4, 6, and 7-12, the remaining members of this group of polypeptides . Histatin 2 was found to be identical to the carboxyl terminal 26 residues of histatin 1; histatin 4 was found to be identical to the carboxyl terminal 20 residues of histatin 3; and histatin 6 was found to be identical to histatin 5, but contained an additional carboxyl terminal arginine residue . The amino acid sequences of histatins 7-12 formally correspond to residues 12-24, 13-24, 12-25, 13-25, 5-11, and 5-12, respectively, of histatin 3, but could also arise proteolytically from histatin 5 or 6 . These results establish, for the first time, the complete structural relationships between all members of this group of microbicidal proteins in human parotid saliva . The relationship of histatins to one another is discussed in the context of their genetic origin, biosynthesis and secretion into the oral cavity, and potential as reagents in anti-candidal studies. Res Vet Sci, 1990 Jan, 48(1), 82 - 6 Effects of diets of high sulphur content and varied concentrations of copper, molybdenum and thiamine on in vitro phagocytic and candidacidal activity of neutrophils in sheep; Olkowski AA et al.; Candidacidal and phagocytic tests were performed on 34 female sheep fed high sulphur diets containing varied concentrations of thiamine, copper, and molybdenum for 14 weeks . Tests were conducted at weekly intervals for five weeks during the latter half of the experiment . The ability of polymorphonuclear leucocytes from sheep on diets unsupplemented with thiamine to kill phagocytosed Candida albicans was lower than those on diets supplemented with thiamine . The ability of polymorphonuclear leucocytes to phagocytose C albicans was lower in animals on low copper diets than in animals on high copper diets . Factorial analysis showed that thiamine supplementation significantly increased (P less than 0.0001) candidacidal but not phagocytic activity . By contrast, copper supplementation significantly increased (P less than 0.0005) the phagocytic activity with no effect on candidacidal activity . The observed detrimental effect of high sulphur intake on in vitro polymorphonuclear leucocyte function can mean that ruminants in areas where large quantities of sulphur are taken in with water and feed have compromised immune function due to lower copper and thiamine status and hence are at risk of increased susceptibility to infections. J Clin Invest, 1990 Jan, 85(1), 152 - 61 Isolation, purification, and radiolabeling of a novel 120-kD surface protein on Blastomyces dermatitidis yeasts to detect antibody in infected patients; Klein BS et al.; No well-defined Blastomyces-specific antigens are currently available . We used sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting to identify immunologically active molecules in the cell wall of B . dermatitidis . A major immunoreactive 120-kD protein (WI-1) was present in all five strains studied and comprised 5% of the protein in the cell wall extract obtained after freezing and thawing yeast cells . WI-1 was recognized by serum from all 10 patients with blastomycosis but by none of those from 5 patients with histoplasmosis . It was purified by electroelution, radiolabeled with 125I, and incorporated into a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for serodiagnosis of blastomycosis . Antibody to WI-1 was detected in 58 (85%) of 68 patients with blastomycosis (geometric mean titer, 1:2,981), in two (3%) of 73 patients with histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, or candidiasis (titers, 1:86 and 1:91) and in none of 44 healthy persons . WI-1 was shown to be a surface molecule abundant on B . dermatitidis yeasts that were indirectly stained with serum from a rabbit immunized with WI-1 . Approximately 0.93 pg of WI-1 or 4.7 x 10(6) WI-1 molecules were found on the surface of an individual yeast using an antigen-inhibition RIA; none was found on Histoplasma capsulatum or Candida albicans yeasts . We conclude that WI-1 is a novel, immunologically active surface molecule on the invasive form of B . dermatitidis and that WI-1 can be used to reliably detect antibody and study the immunopathogenesis of blastomycosis. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(5), 385 - 94 Biochemical mode of action and enantiomeric selectivity of SDZ 89-485, a new triazole antimycotic; Ryder NS; SDZ 89-485, a new triazole antimycotic agent, potently inhibited ergosterol biosynthesis in cells of Candida . Trichophyton and Aspergillus . Biosynthesis was measured both by incorporation of radiolabelled acetate and also by methylation of the sterol side chain . Inhibition was accompanied by accumulation of radiolabel in 4,4-dimethylsterols and to a lesser extent in the 4-methylsterols, consistent with inhibition of lanosterol 14-demethylation . No other steps were affected . Ergosterol biosynthesis in the mycelial growth form of Candida albicans was about twice as sensitive to the drug as that in the yeast form . Inhibition by SDZ 89-485 was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that shown by other systemically active azoles (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ICI 195,739) in Candida cells and cell-free preparations . Rat liver cell-free cholesterol biosynthesis was much less sensitive to inhibition by SDZ 89-485 than was the equivalent Candida system (selectivity ratio of about 300) . In contrast to miconazole and econazole, SDZ 89-485 had no uncoupling effect on respiration in C . albicans cells . The structure of SDZ 89-485 contains an asymmetric centre, the drug being the (-)(R) enantiomer . The (+)(S) enantiomer 89-486, which is antifungally much less effective, was at least 10-fold less active than SDZ 89-485 as an ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitor in all test systems employed . The difference between the two enantiomers appears to reside in stereo-selectivity at the level of interaction with the demethylase enzyme. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(5), 355 - 62 Subcellular localization of enzymes of phospholipid metabolism in Candida albicans; Mago N et al.; The intracellular location of various enzymes involved in the metabolism of phospholipids of Candida albicans was studied . Among the biosynthetic enzymes, phosphatidylserine synthetase was found to be localized in the microsomes; choline kinase and ethanolamine kinase were cytosolic; acyltransferase was localized in the particulate fraction and glycerol kinase and phosphatidic acid phosphatase were distributed in both the microsomal and cytosolic fractions . Phospholipase A and phospholipase C were abundant in the microsomes and phospholipase C was also detected in the cytosol . Lysophospholipase and glycerophosphocholine diesterase were distributed mainly in the mitochondria . Lipase activity was also detected in this fungus . Based on the enzymes detected in this study we have postulated pathways of phospholipid metabolism in C . albicans. Arkh Patol, 1990, 52(8), 52 - 6 {Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of the development of candidal granulomas}; Bykov VL et al.; The development of Candida granulomas was studied in experimental model using histological, enzyme histochemical and electron microscopic methods . The granulomatous response first appeared 3-5 days after injection of heat-killed Candida albicans blastospores in hepatic portal system of mice . This response reached maximum at 10-12 days, when a significant part of hepatic parenchyma was involved, regressing thereafter . In the course of maturation, the granulomas, initially consisting of loose aggregates of monocytes and immature macrophages, were transformed into compact structures with the predominance of mature epithelioid cells with typical enzyme histochemical and fine structural features . In regressing granulomas, the accumulation of immature cells was again seen . Long-term administration of cyclophosphamide suppressed the development of Candida hepatic granulomas. Gerontology, 1990, 36(4), 217 - 29 Analysis of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and T cell proliferative response in elderly nursing home patients: an approach to identifying immunodeficient patients; Castle SC et al.; Clinical experience suggests the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test lacks sensitivity in assessing the integrity of systemic cell-mediated immunity (CMI) or the status of recent or remote mycobacterial infections in elderly nursing home residents . In an attempt to clarify this issue, DTH reaction to purified protein derivative (PPD), tetanus toxoid and Candida albicans was compared with circulating thymus-derived lymphocyte (T cell) proliferation (TCP) to stimulation with PPD and anti-CD3 antibody in 24 randomly selected nursing home residents . The DTH reaction and the TCP response correlated reasonably well among the DTH reactors but poorly among DTH nonreactors, suggesting there may be age-related immunologic changes in the skin itself . Also, the DTH skin test to PPD alone was found to be a poor index of the integrity of systemic CMI. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(4), 317 - 25 Cross-infection and diversity of Candida albicans strain carriage in patients and nursing staff on an intensive care unit; Hunter PR et al.; Colonization of patients and nursing staff on an intensive care unit by Candida albicans was studied over a 4-month period . Multiple swabs and samples were taken from patients and their nurses on 12 occasions during the study period . During this study there were no obvious clinically relevant candidal infections . Patients yielded C . albicans from at least one body site on 68%, and nurses on 57% of occasions . All isolates of C . albicans were further characterized by both morphotyping and resistotyping . All patients but one were colonized by a single strain throughout their stay on the unit, whereas nurses were often colonized by more than one strain type . Strains isolated from nurses' hands were all indistinguishable from strains colonizing the patient under their care, whilst strains isolated from nurses' mouths were usually distinct from their patients' . The probability that a C . albicans culture positive nurse carried an indistinguishable strain from that of her positive patient was p = 0.632, compared with p = 0.325 that a randomly chosen positive nurse would carry a strain indistinguishable from that of a randomly chosen positive patient . Diversity in patients' strains was low (D = 0.667) compared with nurses' strains (D = 0.778) . These results suggest that cross-infection by C . albicans is a common occurrence on intensive care units . The reason outbreaks of candidal disease are not more common may be related to differences in virulence of the strains. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(4), 279 - 87 Interaction of Candida albicans with murine gastrointestinal mucosa from methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil treated animals: in vitro adhesion and prevention; Sandovsky-Losica H et al.; The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs methotrexate (MTX) or 5-fluorouracil (5FU), which affect the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa, would also affect the ability of the damaged mucosa to bind the GI commensal yeast Candida albicans . ICR conventional female mice were treated with intraperitoneal (IP) MTX (3 mg per mouse, or intravenous (IV) 5FU (200 mg kg-1 body weight) . On various days post-treatment, the small intestine was removed, tissue disks prepared and exposed for 2 h to radiolabeled C . albicans . The percent adherence of the fungus to the mucosa was assayed by determining the counts per minute (c.p.m.) . An increase in the in vitro adherence of C . albicans to murine GI mucosa was found posttreatment with MTX or 5FU . The maximal increase (net increase of 40-50%) was observed on days 3-4 post-treatment with MTX or 5FU, concurrently with the maximal decrease in the total number of white blood cells (WBC) and loss in spleen weight of the treated animals (indicators of cytotoxicity of these drugs) . In addition, experiments to block Candida adherence with chitin soluble extract (CSE), an inhibitor used in previous studies, were also carried out . CSE inhibited the adherence of C . albicans to the damaged GI mucosa, as well as to the GI mucosa from normal untreated mice, by up to 64% approximately . Based on these results and on findings from our previous study investigating the adherence of C . albicans to GI mucosa from irradiated mice, it can be concluded that increased adherence of C . albicans to the GI mucosa may occur in patients post-anti-cancer therapy (irradiation, or chemotherapy) . This observation may partially explain the high tendency of these debilitated patients to develop systemic candidosis . Further experiments to study adherence of C . albicans to gut mucosa in vivo and eventually to inhibit this adherence with CSE are currently in progress in our laboratory. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1990, 30(3), 174 - 7 Different antibody response against Candida albicans cell wall antigens in cervicovaginal secretions of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis; Schneider J et al.; Vaginal washings from 118 women were investigated by means of immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies against Candida albicans . A significantly (p less than 0.02) higher antibody titer was found in the samples from patients with clinically evident vulvovaginal candidiasis . Vaginal secretions from those patients with a positive culture for C . albicans were assayed by means of Western blotting . A distinct band pattern was found in the group of patients with a positive culture and the classical clinical picture of C . albicans vulvovaginitis. Ann Parasitol Hum Comp, 1990, 65 Suppl 1, 125 - 30 {Candidiasis: molecular basis of parasitic adaptation of opportunistic pathogenic protists}; Poulain D; Candida albicans is a versatile organism living as a commensal of the gastro-intestinal tract and having the ability to invade host tissues and to initiate serious diseases under the appropriate environmental conditions . The molecular basis for adherence, invasion, interactions with specific and non-specific immune factors have been studied in parallel to structural characteristics of the yeast . The main parasitologic features are closely linked to phenotypic variations . In this respect, mannoproteins are strongly involved in the cell wall variations . The study of the oligomannosidic repertoire represents one of the essential steps for the understanding of host-parasite relationships. Scand J Infect Dis, 1990, 22(5), 607 - 10 Candidal pyarthrosis in an AIDS patient; Meyer RD et al.; The unusual occurrence of a case of indolent Candida albicans pyarthrosis arising as a late complication in a 57-year-old male patient with AIDS, despite prior treatment with amphotericin B for candidemia, is reported . The case is discussed in the context of candidal pyarthrosis and of the rarely reported other fungal arthridites in AIDS patients. Biochem Int, 1990, 21(3), 397 - 403 Presence of a plant-like glyoxalase II in Candida albicans; Talesa V et al.; Glyoxalase II from Candida albicans was purified by affinity chromatography on S-carbobenzoxyglutathione-Affi Gel 10 . The enzyme was characterized and compared with the glyoxalases II from animal and plant sources . The relative molecular mass is 29 kDa, and the isoelectric point (pI) is 6.0 . The acidic pI value appears to be typical for plant glyoxalase II, in contrast to the uniformly basic glyoxalase II pI values from animals . S-D-Lactoylglutathione and S-acetoacetylglutathione are the best substrates, and S-carbobenzoxyglutathione is the best inhibitor of the yeast enzyme . Glutathione derivatives with a thioether bond are not inhibitory . Glyoxalase II from Candida albicans is compared either with animal and plant enzymes. Arch Oral Biol, 1990, 35(7), 571 - 3 Binding of salivary or serum proteins to Candida albicans in vitro; Nikawa H et al.; This binding was investigated with a simplified method: whole saliva and mucin bound to C . albicans in significantly greater quantities than other proteins such as whole serum, albumin, lysozyme or fibrinogen; and the enzymatic treatment of C . albicans with chymotrypsin, papain or mannosidase decreased the amounts of these proteins bound . These results, taken together, suggest that salivary proteins or mucin may bind to the mannoprotein of C . albicans. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 1990 Jan-Mar, 85(1), 61 - 4 Serotyping of Candida albicans isolated from clinical specimens; Martinez Batista ML et al.; A specific antiserum to Candida albicans serotype A was prepared absorbing a total antiserum with Candida albicans serotype B cells . This specific antiserum was used for serotyping C . albicans strains obtained from patients in different hospitals of Havana City, Cuba . Two hundred strains (95.2%) were serotype A, the remaining 10 (4.8%) were serotype B . Results were also correlated with strains isolated from the specimen origin, sex and race of the patient . The usefulness of this specific antiserum to determine C . albicans serotypes and its therapeutic value are pointed out. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(3), 225 - 39 Candida albicans--do mycelia matter? Ryley JF, Ryley NG. Growth of Candida albicans in the mycelial phase is neither necessary for initiation of infection in the kidney of the mouse, following intravenous inoculation, nor for the establishment of chronic renal colonization . However, mycelial formation would appear to be important in the establishment of pelvic lesions with their associated pathological changes . Two mycelia-less mutants, CA-2 and MM2002, in the early stages of infection tended to develop in the glomeruli of the mouse kidney cortex while the wild-type parent strains spread throughout the cortex and medulla, with only occasional involvement of glomeruli . The mutants appeared to stimulate a milder inflammatory response than the parent strains . In chronic infections with wild-type strains, tangled masses of mycelia filled the renal pelvis, but pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis did not depend on a persistent cortical infestation . Yeasts of the mutant strains persisted in the body of the kidney and stimulated a continuing neutrophil response . Systemic infections with wild-type strains were eliminated by treatment with low doses of an azole antifungal drug, ICI 195,739, or with amphotericin B, whereas systemic infections with the mutant strains were much reduced, but not eliminated, by relatively high doses of either of the two drugs . Unlike azole drugs, amphotericin B does not show differential activity against the two morphological forms of C . albicans . Because kidney infections with the mutant strains are relatively resistant to amphotericin B as well as the azole tested, we conclude that the impressive activity of azoles in vivo may not be explained entirely by their inhibition of mycelial growth. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(3), 215 - 23 Hendersonula toruloidea as an agent of mycotic foot infection in Gabon; Kombila M et al.; Pathogenic fungi were isolated from 149 of 210 Gabonese patients with clinical signs of tinea pedis . Hendersonula toruloidea was isolated from 51 patients (34.2%), either alone (in 25%) or in association with a dermatophyte species or Candida albicans . Clinical signs of H . toruloidea infection closely resembled those of dermatophyte infection except that hyperkeratinization of the soles was most often associated with infection by H . toruloidea . H . toruloidea mycelium could be readily distinguished from dermatophyte mycelium on direct examination of skin scrapings . All the H . toruloidea isolates closely resembled the Type 1 isolates described by Moore, both microscopically and macroscopically . The importance of establishing a mycological diagnosis of this infection and the therapeutic implications of infection with H . toruloidea are discussed . This fungus was isolated from 34% of our patients from Gabon with clinical tinea pedis. Vestn Dermatol Venerol, 1990, (4), 25 - 8 {The dynamics of the invasive growth of Candida albicans in the host's tissues}; Bykov VL; Using experimental models of candidal vaginitis in leukopenic mice and of stomatitis in neonatal animals, who developed the minimal inflammatory response, the author has defined the rate of invasive growth of C . albicans in mucosal stratified epithelium . Pseudomycelium was found to invade the epithelium at an average rate of 2 microns per hour, penetrating the entire epithelial lining within 24-48 hrs . These data have been extrapolated to a clinical condition . On the basis of measurements of mucosal epithelium thickness (carried out with autopsy and biopsy material), presumable periods of the total epithelium penetration were calculated; such penetration results in vascular invasion, thus making possible a disseminated involvement . These periods ranged from 22 to 59 hrs for different mucous membranes . Our findings demonstrate the significance of cellular and tissue defense reactions, which, if suppressed, may induce the fungi, normally found on epithelial surface as saprophytes, invade the host tissues and cause deep (and in some cases disseminated) mycotic involvement within several days. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(2), 125 - 37 Experimental pathogenicity and acid proteinase secretion of vaginal isolates of Candida parapsilosis; de Bernardis F et al.; Isolates of Candida parapsilosis from women with or without candidal vaginitis were compared for their ability to produce secretory aspartate (acid) proteinase and their virulence for normal or cyclophosphamide-immunodepressed mice . Although all isolates were strongly proteolytic in vitro, only those from candidosis-affected subjects were appreciably pathogenic for neutropenic mice . In these animals, organ invasion was monitored after challenge with representative isolates of each category . The number of yeast cells in the kidneys of animals infected with an isolate from a subject without candidal vaginitis was approximately one order of magnitude less than that in mice infected with either one of two isolates from patients with candidal vaginitis . Mice infected with either category of C . parapsilosis isolates developed antibodies against a mannoprotein-rich extract of the cell wall, and these antibodies did not cross-react with a chemically similar preparation from Candida albicans . However, only those animals which had been challenged with one of the isolates from a candidosis subject produced a low level of antibodies, detectable by ELISA, against an acid proteinase of C . parapsilosis . These antibodies cross-reacted with a highly purified enzyme preparation of C . albicans . The data demonstrate differences in the potential virulence of different isolates of C . parapsilosis and suggest that the ability to express the acid proteinase in vivo may be related to differences in pathogenicity. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(2), 103 - 15 Variation in lipid and sterol contents in Candida albicans white and opaque phenotypes; Ghannoum MA et al.; In the white-opaque transition, cells of Candida albicans strain WO-1 switch reversibly and at high frequency between phases which differ both in colony and cellular phenotype . The lipid and sterol contents of the two phases were compared . White cells were higher in lipid and sterol contents in both mid-exponential and stationary phase cultures . In mid-exponential phase cultures, the lipids of white cells accumulated substantial amounts of apolar compounds, including steryl esters, alkyl esters, triacylglycerols, fatty acids, free sterols and mono- and di-glycerides, while opaque cells accumulated nearly equal proportions of apolar and and polar compounds, mainly phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines . In stationary phase cultures, both white and opaque cells had slightly higher proportions of polar lipids . Major differences in the lipid composition between white and opaque cells involved the contents of free sterols and derivatives of sterols . White cells contained higher proportions of free sterols than opaque cells, while opaque cells contained more steryl glycosides and steryl esters (approximately 2.5 times higher) . Comparison of the sterols of the white and opaque cells by UV, TLC and GLC showed that a qualitative as well as quantitative difference exists between the two phenotypes . Fatty acid analysis of white and opaque cells showed that C-16 and C-18 fatty acids are the most abundant in both phenotypes . White and opaque cells varied in their fatty acid composition . The former had higher proportions of palmitoleic (16:1) and stearic (18:0) but lower proportions of linoleic (18:2) fatty acids than opaque cells . Analysis of fatty acids of major lipid classes present in both forms showed that fatty acid pattern varied dramatically according to whether the class had been isolated from white or opaque cells . Our results suggest that the lipid composition (particularly sterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids) of the opaque phenotype resembles that of mycelial cultures . Opaque cells showed more resistance to amphotericin B, nystatin, 5-fluorocytosine (flucytosine) and miconazole nitrate than white cells. Quintessence Int, 1990 Jan, 21(1), 35 - 40 In vitro study on the inhibiting effect of different agents on the growth of Candida albicans on acrylic resin surfaces; Spiechowicz E et al.; This study evaluated at the in vitro level the antifungal effectiveness of nystatin, chlorhexidine, and a homologous histidine polypeptide on the surface of acrylic resin disks . The agents were used in a way that simulated storage of a denture by a denture wearer . Results indicated that pretreatment with poly-L-histidine was not protective against C albicans adherence and growth regardless of whether disks were stored in water or in the open air for the 8-hour period following yeast contamination . Chlorhexidine was totally effective in preventing C albicans attachment to, and growth on, the acrylic resin, even after a period of 8 days of turbidimetric monitoring . Pretreatment with Nystatin, followed by drying, was protective, yielding results similar to those obtained with chlorhexidine. Scand J Infect Dis, 1990, 22(3), 353 - 8 Acute oral candidiasis during febrile episodes in immunocompromised patients with haematologic malignancies; Bergmann OJ et al.; To estimate clinical, pathogenic and serological aspects of acute oral candidiasis (AOC) during febril episodes in patients with haematologic malignancies, 23 consecutive patients who developed AOC within 7 days from start of fever were compared with 23 consecutive patients who did not develop AOC . The duration of fever and severe granulocytopenia (less than 0.5 x 10(9)/l) was significantly longer in patients with AOC than in patients without AOC, the median differences between the patients with and without AOC being 4 and 3 days, respectively . Development of AOC could not be correlated to a change in the qualitative composition of the oral microflora . The thrombocyte count was lower in patients with AOC on day 4, whereas no differences were found in leukocyte counts . The prevalences of Candida albicans agglutinin titres greater than or equal to 5 were similar in patients with (24%) and without AOC (33%), and in controls (29%) . Seroconversion or a significant increase in the agglutinin titre occurred in 4 patients with AOC and long-lasting fever, who became afebrile after systemic antifungal therapy . It is concluded that AOC is associated with long-lasting fever and decreased bone marrow function as judged by low thrombocyte counts, but not related to specific bacteria in the oral cavity or to an increased occurrence of C . albicans antibodies in the serum. Microbios, 1990, 62(252-253), 165 - 78 Effects of cisplatin and two novel palladium complexes on Candida albicans; Moussa NM et al.; The effects of cisplatin and two novel palladium complexes of possible cancer chemotherapeutic value on the yeasts Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied . All three drugs had growth inhibitory effects . Significant effects on uridine uptake by all three drugs were seen, but inhibition of thymidine uptake was either small or non-existent . A marked stimulatory effect of all of the complexes on cell respiration was observed after 16 h growth in their presence . In some cases immediate stimulation of cellular respiration was invoked on drug treatment . The palladium complexes caused extensive mycelial growth of C . albicans whilst cisplatin induced pseudohyphal growth . Results are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of action of the drugs. Dermatol Monatsschr, 1990, 176(2-3), 189 - 98 {Effect of pepstatin A on Candida albicans infection in the mouse}; Zotter C et al.; The intravenous injection of 10(6) to 10(7) Candida albicans cells revealed to be a reliable model in mice produce infections of the kidney . Higher germ contents could be yielded in the kidney after the application of protease positive Candida-strains as compared to protease negative ones . Additionally, after the infection with protease positive strains a proteolytic activity could be found in the kidney homogenates in vitro on casein plates . The modulation of this Candida infection by pepstatin A, an inhibitor of extracellular yeast proteases in vitro, has also been studied in the same mice model in vivo . The growth rate of Candida albicans has been measured in the left kidney by counting the germ content as described by Haenel . Infections could be reduced after single doses of 120 micrograms pepstatin A contrary to 60 micrograms pepstatin A . The same was with three doses of 180 micrograms at 24 h intervals . This protease inhibitory effect could also be found in kidney homogenates in vitro on casein plates and lasted until 48 h post injection . On the basis of this positive effects on the Candida infection in mice pepstatin A should be considered as an adjuvans in the therapy of severe yeast infections. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(1), 51 - 7 The use of flow cytometry to monitor chitin synthesis in regenerating protoplasts of Candida albicans; Hector RF et al.; Flow cytometry was used to monitor chitin synthesis in regenerating protoplasts of the yeast Candida albicans . Comparisons of cells stained with Calcofluor White, a fluorochrome with known affinity for chitin, and cells incubated in the presence of N-{3H}-acetylglucosamine, the precursor substrate for chitin, showed a linear relationship between fluorescence and incorporation of label over time . Changes in both the fluorescence and light scatter of regenerating protoplasts treated with inhibitors of fungal chitin synthase were also quantitated by flow cytometry. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(1), 27 - 34 Pathogenicity of 5-fluorocytosine resistant strains of Candida albicans; Fasoli MO et al.; Mutants of Candida albicans blocked in pyrimidine transport and salvage metabolism were produced by a two step mutagenic procedure and selected by their resistance to 5-fluorocytosine (flucytosine) . The growth rates and growth yields of these mutants did not differ significantly from the parental strain of C . albicans . Examination of their pathogenicity to mice demonstrated that a defect in the uridine transport function decreased the pathogenicity of C . albicans. Bull Soc Ophtalmol Fr, 1990 Jan, 90(1), 105 - 8 {Candida albicans uveopapillitis . Diagnostic and therapeutic discussion apropos of a case}; Despres E et al.; Due to the difficulties encountered in the etiologie diagnosis of papillo uveitis along with the increasing occurrence of fungal infections (in paralleled with the number of AIDS affected patients), we found of interest to report a case of exsudative macular chorioretinitis with poor evolution under steroid therapy . In this patient infection by Candida Albicans was suspected and confirmed only after isolation and culture of the fungal from a vitrectomy specimen . A therapeutic apponch using Fluconazole (Triflucan allowed a dramatic improvement of visual acuity within a few months . Thus, vitrectomy appears as a decisive step in the diagnosis of endogenous ocular candidiasis . This diagnosis is even more difficult to suspect in patient without immun deficiency more any extraocular focal infestation. Blood Cells, 1990, 16(1), 127 - 41; discussion 142-3 Altered neutrophil functions in patients with large burns; Bjerknes R et al.; Neutrophil functions were examined longitudinally in 16 patients with large burns using multiparameter flow cytometry (FCM) . At admission and through the first 10 days, the neutrophil expression of surface complement receptors for C3b (CR1) and C3bi (CR3) was increased, whereas neutrophil Fc receptor III (FcRIII) expression decreased . The phagocytosis of C3-opsonized Candida albicans increased during the same time period, whereas the ingestion of Ig-opsonized C . albicans decreased . The neutrophil intracellular killing of C . albicans was reduced by about 25% at admission . The microbicidal capacity was further compromised during the next 2 weeks, with a 50% reduction of intracellular killing 10 days following injury . The kinetics of neutrophil phagolysosomal acidification was altered during the first 20 days after burn injury, as the initial alkalinization of the phagolysosomes documented in control neutrophils could not be demonstrated in patients cells . In addition, patient neutrophil H2O2-production, which was only slightly reduced at admission, was gradually decreased during the first 2 weeks, with an oxidative burst about 40% lower than controls at day 10 . All neutrophil functions tested were normal at discharge . The results demonstrate significant metabolic and functional alterations in neutrophils from patients with large burns . The data are consistent with a general activation of circulating neutrophils in the early phase after thermal injury, which is followed by impairment of neutrophil microbicidal mechanisms that may predispose for infectious complications. Mycoses, 1990 Jan, 33(1), 24 - 8 Interest of biotyping Candida albicans in chronic vulvovaginitis; Poirier S et al.; Chronic vulvovaginitis due to Candida albicans is a major clinical problem for the physician . Although new antifungal drugs are now available, the therapeutic approach of this disease remains disappointing . The aims of this study were two-fold . First, we wanted to evaluate the reliability of a single sampling performed by most clinicians in verifying if the yeast infects the entire genital mucosa or a preferential site and, second, to biotype the strains recovered in order to see if more than one strain are responsible for the infection . We found, in 18 patients suffering from vaginal candidosis, that the entire genital mucosa was infected by the yeast and the strain recovered from the different genital sites in a single patient was the same in 100% of the cases . Only 1.4% of the samples were negative . In addition, we biotyped the strains obtained from the gastrointestinal tract of these patients to evaluate this site as a potential source of infection . We obtained gastrointestinal tract samples for 15 of the 18 patients and we could identify C . albicans in 100% of the cases . Furthermore, 73.3% of the patients harboured the same strains of C . albicans in the gastrointestinal tract as in the vagina. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990 Jan-Feb, 13(1), 31 - 5 Effects of terconazole and other azole antifungal agents on the sterol and carbohydrate composition of Candida albicans; Pfaller MA et al.; The effects of terconazole, a triazole antifungal, on the sterol and carbohydrate composition of Candida albicans was compared with that of three imidazoles: clotrimazole, miconazole, and butoconazole . Exposure of C . albicans to terconazole resulted in a profound depletion of ergosterol with a corresponding increase in lanosterol content versus control cells . Carbohydrate analysis revealed a significant (245%) increase in chitin and a minimal effect on glucan and mannan in terconazole-treated cells . Similar effects on sterol and carbohydrate composition were observed with clotrimazole and miconazole . Butoconazole had a similar effect on sterol composition but had no effect on carbohydrate composition . The decreased ergosterol and increased lanosterol content is consistent with 14 alpha-demethylase inhibition by terconazole and the other azoles . The increase in cell wall chitin is most likely due to deregulation of chitin synthesis secondary to ergosterol depletion in the cell membrane . Because both chitin and ergosterol are critical components of the fungal cell, perturbation of the production and localization of these components by terconazole is likely to contribute to the selective toxicity of this compound for C . albicans and other fungi. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Jan, (1), 63 - 8 {Modifications to the surface of T-lymphocytes in chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes}; Sardyko NV et al.; 27 patients with chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes have been examined with a view to study the expression of E-receptors and its changes after the incubation of T-lymphocytes with theophylline, levamisole, thymaline and Candida albicans antigen . This study has revealed that, in comparison with healthy persons, most patients show decreased expression of E-receptors, and the character of their changes after incubation with the above-mentioned preparations is essentially different . The deviations revealed in this study have been regarded as the modification of T-cell membranes, which is seemingly one of the reasons of the weak competence of T-cells . In its turn, the expression of E-receptors may be considered as an indicator of the influence of different factors on T-lymphocytes . Substances altering the level of cyclic nucleotides in the cell, the antigenic fractions of the fungal causative agent, the suppression or blocking the action of thymic hormone-like substances may serve as such factors. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol, 1990 Jan, 67(1), 159 - 62 Further studies on factors controlling phenotypic susceptibility of Candida albicans to miconazole kill; Beggs WH; A growth-limiting medium was used for further studies on growth phase-dependent shifts in susceptibility of Candida albicans to direct lethal miconazole action . Restricted nutrition did not affect development of susceptibility . Reestablishment of resistance toward stationary phase was not a physiological response to nutrient exhaustion . Resistance developed even at low population density if cells were in physiological transition to stationary phase with glucose available. J Rheumatol, 1990 Jan, 17(1), 86 - 8 Candida septic arthritis in rheumatoid arthritis; Campen DH et al.; We describe a patient with a 10-year history of rheumatoid arthritis who developed septic arthritis of the knee secondary to Candida albicans . Joint sterilization was obtained by debridement and 865 mg . of IV amphotericin B . We review 23 other cases of candidal arthritis in adults with specific reference to disease recognition and treatment. J Clin Lab Anal, 1990, 4(1), 9 - 15 Alterations of nonspecific immunity in patients with common migraine; Covelli V et al.; In 23 patients with common migraine (CM), immune responsiveness and frequency of immunocompetent cells were investigated . In particular, phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans by polymorphs (PMNs) and monocytes were analyzed . Also, the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, natural killer, and CD15+ cells were evaluated by direct immunofluorescence using specific monoclonal antibodies . The results showed deficits of phagocytosis or killing exhibited by PMNs and monocytes . These immunological findings are discussed in terms of perturbation of immune status in CM patients during migraine attacks. Allergy, 1990 Jan, 45(1), 54 - 63 IgE-, IgA- and IgG-antibody responses to carbohydrate and protein antigens of Candida albicans in asthmatic children; Savolainen J et al.; Analysis of IgE, IgA and IgG antibodies directed against Candida albicans antigens in 28 asthmatic children was performed with immunoblotting after SDS-PAGE . Analysis with the purified cytoplasmic protein fraction revealed a major protein allergen with an MW of 46 kD . In addition to the major allergen, 15 other antigenic bands with molecular weights between 16 and 135 kD bound IgE . Ten of 13 anti-C . albicans IgE-positive children had IgE towards the 46 kD major allergen . None of the subjects in the study group or in the non-atopic controls had IgA or IgG antibodies towards this protein . Analysis of the crude surface extract showed that mannan, a carbohydrate, was an intermediate allergen contrary to being the major antigen in IgA and IgG antibody responses. Allergy, 1990 Jan, 45(1), 47 - 53 Distribution of watersoluble antigens and allergens of Candida albicans in blastospore cell extract fractions; Savolainen J et al.; Watersoluble antigens of Candida albicans were sequentially extracted from intact and disrupted yeast cells grown on protein-free agar, and analysed on immunoblots after SDS-PAGE . Washing of the cells in saline before proper extraction resulted in loss of 47.2% of the total carbohydrate and 1.5% of the total protein . The protein fraction contained 14 antigenic bands when analysed with hyperimmune rabbit antisera . Four of these bound IgE when probed with a RAST-positive serum pool and beta-galactosidase-labelled anti-IgE . Extraction of the disrupted cells resulted in 15% of the total carbohydrate and 94% of the total protein . The cytoplasmic protein fraction showed 69 antigenic bands, 13 of which bound IgE . The carbohydrate fraction contained mannan, which was found in the washing solutions and in the surface extract as well as in the cytoplasmic extract . Allergens found in washing solutions were also present in cytoplasmic fraction . This study suggests that the rapid release of allergens from saprophytic C . albicans cells on mucous membranes of the body may cause continuous exposure and result in sensitization. Allergy, 1990 Jan, 45(1), 40 - 6 Immunoblotting analysis of concanavalin A-isolated allergens of Candida albicans; Savolainen J et al.; The carbohydrate-containing fraction of Candida albicans was isolated from the crude extract with ConA Sepharose affinity chromatography and studied by IgE-immunoblotting with individual and pooled sera from C . albicans-allergic subjects . In the ConA-bound fraction there was a diffuse IgE binding in the high molecular weight area which also gave a carbohydrate stain (PAS) . A distinct band corresponding to a molecular weight of 70 kD bound specific IgE antibodies . This glycoprotein, presumably a mannoprotein, gave a weak carbohydrate staining and a strong protein staining . Further biochemical studies are needed to reveal the exact nature of the epitopes in the ConA-bound mannose-containing fraction of C . albicans. Vestn Dermatol Venerol, 1990, (7), 12 - 6 {The role of the mycocenosis due to Candida albicans and the herpes simplex virus type II in urethritis and vulvovaginitis}; Katsitadze AG; Dissemination of mycocenosis induced by C . albicans and herpes simplex (type 2) virus and the role of this condition in the development of inflammatory diseases of the genitals were under study . Development of urogenital candidiasis in the presence of recurrent vesicular lichen simplex (RVLS) enhanced the intensity of RVLS recurrences and made them more frequent, augmenting the gravity of the clinical picture . Factors contributing to mycocenosis formation were defects of the cellular and humoral immunity systems, of interferon production, and changes in eukaryotic cell adsorption characteristics and reduction of neutrophilic fungicidal activity in RVLS patients. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1990, 29(1), 67 - 70 Growth inhibition of Candida albicans and other medically important yeasts by vaginal contraceptive products; Shubair M et al.; The antifungal effects of two commercially available spermicidal gels (Conceptrol, produced by Ortho Pharmaceutical, Raritan, N.J., and Koromex, produced by Schmid Laboratories, Little Falls, N.J.) as well as pure nonoxynol-9 and boric acid (both components of vaginal contraceptive products) were tested against 50 clinical yeast isolates by the agar dilution method . The formulated products exerted comparable dose-dependent inhibitory effects against all yeasts tested . A 3-fold dilution of the formulated spermicidal products inhibited 90% of the yeast strains tested . To determine if the antifungal effect was due to the spermicidal detergent nonoxynol-9, this compound was tested for antifungal activity but was completely ineffective against Candida albicans in concentrations up to 10% . Boric acid, present in at least one of the products (Koromex), inhibited representative yeasts at a concentration of 0.4% . The relationship of pH and oxygen tension to inhibition by the commercial spermicides was also investigated . The pH values tested ranged from 4 to 7 and had little effect on inhibition; anaerobiosis at pH 7 slightly reduced the inhibitory activity of Conceptrol gel. Cell Biol Int Rep, 1990 Jan, 14(1), 59 - 68 cAMP levels and in situ measurement of cAMP related enzymes during yeast-to-hyphae transition in Candida albicans; Egidy G et al.; Intracellular levels of cAMP and specific activities of adenylate cyclase, cAMP phosphodiesterase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase were measured during filamentation in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans . Enzymatic assays were performed in permeabilized cells under conditions prevented endogenous proteolysis . The variations observed in cAMP levels were mainly accounted for by variations in the specific activities of adenylate cyclase and cAMP phosphodiesterase at different stages during germ tube formation . cAMP-dependent protein kinase, measured with kemptide as exogenous substrate, was developmental regulated . Some properties of the enzymatic activities from cell-free extracts are described. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1990 Jan, 25(1), 111 - 9 Effect of antifungal agents on the adherence of Candida albicans to murine gastrointestinal mucosal surfaces; Mehentee JF et al.; The in-vitro adherence of Candida albicans to murine gastrointestinal mucosal surfaces was investigated in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole . Each antifungal drug showed a significant ability to reduce the adherence of C . albicans to gastric and jejunal mucosa . However, the outcome of an adherence assay was dependent on pH, drug concentration and C . albicans strain . The type of mucosal surface and its cellular arrangement also had an important role to play . Sub-inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, ketoconazole and itraconazole significantly reduced the adherence of an azole sensitive strain C . albicans 3436 . These effects were influenced by the type of mucosal surface and the concentration of the antifungal drug . Sub-inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B inhibited the adherence of an azole resistant strain . C . albicans 3310, to stomach and jejunal mucosal surfaces while sub-inhibitory concentrations of ketoconazole only significantly reduced this strain's adherence to gastric mucosal explants . Sub-inhibitory concentrations of itraconazole had little effect . Amphotericin B reduced the adherence of C . albicans 3436 to gastric mucosal explants when assays were performed at physiological pH levels, an effect dependent on concentration . This drug also reduced the adherence of strain 3436 to jejunal mucosal cells and explants at physiological pH levels, though results obtained from assays involving jejunal mucosal explants, incubated at pH 8.0, were concentration dependent. Infect Immun, 1990 Jan, 58(1), 260 - 2 Prostaglandin E2 enhances and gamma interferon inhibits germ tube formation in Candida albicans; Kalo-Klein A et al.; Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an immunosuppressive monokine that increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, stimulated Candida albicans germ tube formation . Dibutyryl cAMP (dB-cAMP) and isoproterenol, other compounds that increase cAMP levels, also stimulated germination . Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), a product of cellular immune system activation, inhibited Candida germ tube formation, even in the presence of PGE2, dB-cAMP, and isoproterenol . Thus, PGE2 and IFN-gamma as well as having opposing roles in the suppression or activation of cell-mediated immunity, are also antagonists for the yeast-to-hyphal transition of C . albicans. Mycoses, 1990 Jan, 33(1), 29 - 32 Studies on the yeast flora in patients suffering from psoriasis capillitii or seborrhoic dermatitis of the scalp; Senff H et al.; In 65 patients with scalp psoriasis or seborrhoic dermatitis of the scalp, stool specimens, tongue swabs and scalp scales were examined for yeasts . The stool specimens showed in 70.8% of the patient group massive and in 7.7% moderate yeast colonization . Yeasts were found in 47.7% of the tongue cultures and in 12.5% of the scalp scales . Candida albicans was the predominant pathogen in the faeces and on the tongue . In comparison with a control group, frequency of yeasts in faeces and on the tongue in patients with psoriasis capillitii and seborrhoic dermatitis of the scalp could be shown to be significantly higher. Infect Immun, 1990 Jan, 58(1), 48 - 54 Laminin receptors on Candida albicans germ tubes; Bouchara JP et al.; Recent evidence for the role of laminin in cell adhesion and in the pathogenesis of several bacterial infections has led us to investigate the existence of receptors for this extracellular matrix component in Candida albicans . At first, immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of laminin-binding sites at the surface of germ tubes . Electron microscopy confirmed this result and permitted precise localization of the binding sites on the outermost fibrillar layer of the germ tube cell wall . By using 125I-radiolabeled laminin, the binding was shown to be saturable and specific, hence demonstrating characteristics of true receptors . Analysis of the data by the Scatchard equation indicated that there were about 8,000 binding sites per cell, with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.3 x 10(-9) M . Binding was inhibited by prior heating or trypsinization of cells . Furthermore, of the different proteins and carbohydrates tested in competition experiments, only fibrinogen greatly reduced the laminin binding . Finally, dithiothreitol and iodoacetamide treatment of germ tubes allowed us to identify the laminin receptors through analysis of this extract by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting . Two components, of 68 kilodaltons and a doublet of 60 and 62 kilodaltons, were detected . Thus, C . albicans possesses germ tube-specific surface receptors for laminin which could mediate its attachment to basement membranes and so contribute to the establishment of candidiasis. Wiad Parazytol, 1990, 36(5-6), 269 - 74 {Studies of compounds with potential antiparasitic action . VIII . New oxime ethers in the 1-thiochromone system}; Kadlubowski R et al.; The 50% antitrichomonal concentration of 7 examined ethers (T . vaginalis strain N . 1/86, Roiron medium, safranine staining, 30 min.) was estimated by means of dose-response curve . The minimal mycostatic concentration (Candida albicans L-45, Geotrichum candidum; 3% Sabouraud agar, 37 degrees C, 24 hr) was calculated with the aid of regression equation . All examined ethers show in vitro a marked antitrichomonal effect comparable with activity of ornidazole or phenol . Mycostatic activity of new compounds is many times higher than activity of phenol, but considerably lower than that of clotrimazole . The strongest complex antitrichomonal and mycostatic effect-comparable to ornidazole or clotrimazole - shows the new derivative N,N-diethylaminoethyl oxime of 1-tioflavone (compound II), which is fairly toxic for mammal. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1990, 38(5-6), 369 - 77 Epidemiology of Candida infection . II . Application of biochemical methods for typing of Candida albicans strains; Budak A; Biochemical profiles of 350 C . albicans isolates from five towns in Poland and from Freiburg in Germany were determined on the basis of nine biochemical tests of Odds and Abbott method . API 20 C AUX system and additionally a resistogram . The analysis of the strains according to Odds' and Abbotts's system showed that investigated strains can be typed into 9 profile codes of common biochemical patterns . There were some differences among the profiles according to their geographical origin and anatomical sources of the isolation . On the basis of the ability C . albicans strains to assimilate of carbon sources, 350 isolates were categorised into 13 separate auxotrophic profiles with the major one: 2,576,174 accounting for 81% of the total . The majority of the investigated isolates were susceptible to antifungal agents (83%) . A disproportionate distribution of auxotrophic profiles limited the use of resistogram method and API 20 C AUX as systems for typing C . albicans strains . On the other hand, the method of Odds and Abbott provides valuable criteria for typing of C . albicans. Fortschr Ophthalmol, 1990, 87(4), 382 - 3 {The conjunctival flora of HIV-positive patients in an advanced stage}; Gumbel H et al.; We evaluated the incidence of bacterial cultures taken from 23 outpatient and nosocomial AIDS patients . It was found that 36.6% of the 11 outpatients had non-pathogenic bacterial flora (Staphylococcus epidermis) . Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogenic bacterium was found in 25% of the positive cultures in a group of 12 nosocomial patients . Candida albicans, a fungus, was also found in 25%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the only gram-negative bacteria, was identified in 8.3% . Staphylococcus epidermidis was found in 18.8% . It was concluded that preoperative cultures of the conjunctival sac of hospitalized AIDS patients are essential before intraocular procedures are carried out . There must be no apparent infection of the conjunctiva. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 1990 Jan, 11(1), 27 - 35 Nosocomial outbreak of systemic candidosis associated with parenteral nutrition; Moro ML et al.; Eight patients in two surgical units developed systemic candidosis during a 40-day period from June 5 to July 13, 1987 (in five cases Candida albicans was identified) . Three of them died . All cases belonged to a group of 27 patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN), while among the 108 patients who did not receive PN, no cases were observed (p = .000001) . Candida was cultured from two PN bags administered to the cases . A specialized nutrition nurse was responsible for the PN compounding and for maintaining administration sets in the two wards involved . An epidemiological investigation, in which 19 uninfected patients who had had PN were used as controls, showed no significant difference between cases and controls except that lipids were more frequently added to bags administered to cases (p = .0005) . Furthermore, the bags administered to cases contained a higher average number of multidose constituents (p = .0008) when the comparison was focused on the two days before the onset of symptoms . Given the favorable medium provided by lipids, even a low level contamination of PN solutions during compounding and/or administration could have been responsible for the exposure of cases to multidose vials suggests, although not conclusively, that an extrinsic contamination occurred during compounding . Six isolates of C albicans were available from four cases . C albicans was cultured from the pharyngeal swabs of two physicians and three nurses, including the specialized nutrition nurse. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1990, 16(11), 543 - 7 Potential of bifonazole for direct lethal action; Beggs WH; Time-kill type experiments were designed to assess the potential of bifonazole, a topical antifungal imidazole-containing drug, for its capacity to exert growth phase-dependent direct physicochemical lethal action against opportunistic yeast pathogens . Test organisms included two strains of Candida albicans and one of Candida parapsilosis . In contrast to the reference imidazole miconazole, which rapidly killed yeast cells in late lag to early logarithmic phase at concentrations between 10(-5) and 10(-4) M, bifonazole was inhibitory but not lethal . Bifonazole appears to lack a significant capacity for growth phase-dependent direct lethal action against Candida species. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1990, 16(10), 509 - 13 Susceptibility of several species of Candida and Torulopsis to fluconazole and ketoconazole; Mallie M et al.; The authors compared the in vitro antifungal activity of fluconazole, a new triazole antifungal agent, and ketoconazole, an imidazole derivative . The MIC values were determined against 50 strains of Candida albicans, 10 strains of C . guilliermondii, 10 strains of C . krusei, 10 strains of C . parapsilosis, 10 strains of C . pseudotropicalis, 10 strains of C . tropicalis and 15 strains of Torulopsis glabrata . The fungistatic activity was evaluated by the agar dilution method using BHI and casitone media after incubation for 48 h at 28-30 degrees C . Both antifungal agents showed higher activity when tested on casitone medium; however, the G-MIC values for ketoconazole were lower than those for fluconazole. Rev Odontol UNESP, 1990, 19(1), 125 - 39 {Direct immunofluorescence in the study of palatal mucosal changes compatible with chronic atrophic candidiasis in mucosal supported complete denture wearers}; Guimaraes Cabral LA; Histopathology by hematoxilin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS), concomitant direct immunofluorescence (DI) against total human immunoglobulins and against Candida albicans, was effectuated in 25 persons dentures wearers . In 5 persons without chronic athrofic candidiasis (CAC) clinical signals in the palate the HE showed wise inflammatory elements in the connective tissue and the PAS marked the continuous basal layer, the intra-cellular grains of granular layer and the uniform parakeratin on epithelial surface . In 20 others, with palatal signals of CAC, in the HE was frequent the features encountered in Candida infected and PAS revealed, beside descontinuous lamina basal and epithelial surface covered by tide and discontinuous parakeratin, the presence of round bodies few largers that presents in the granular layer, casually isolated in the medial portion of ret pegs and connective papillae . In the first 5 persons the DI against total human immunoglobulins not showed signals of the humoral immunologic phenomena, the same was valid to others 20 patients with CAC clinical aspects . However the DI with conjugate against C . albicans in the 20 cases with CAC signals revealed suitable aspects of the structures assumed by Candida in tissues . Cultures of samples obtained of the persons with CAC signals was positive in 100% to Candida, 70% presumptively albicans, against 80% of positiviness to generus Candida, 67% presumptively albicans, in the persons without CAC signals. Acta Pharm Nord, 1990, 2(6), 367 - 70 Synergistic action of clotrimazole and certain anionic surfactants may be due to ion pair formation; Pedersen M; A synergistic effect of clotrimazole and certain anionic surfactants against a strain of Candida albicans was confirmed . Measurement of apparent partition coefficients indicated that lipophilic ion pairs between clotrimazole and anionic surfactants were formed . It is suggested that the synergistic effect of the drugs may be due to ion pair formation. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc, 1990, 88, 685 - 725 Orally administered antifungal therapy for experimental keratomycosis; O'Day DM; Fluconazole, an experimental azole antifungal agent with good tissue penetration following oral administration, offers the possibility of a new approach to the treatment of keratomycosis . Its efficacy as an orally administered agent was investigated in two models of experimental fungal infection in Dutch-belted rabbits . The study proceeded in three stages . In the first, a model of keratitis due to Aspergillus fumigatus was developed, the suitability of quantitative isolate recovery techniques for the evaluation of the disease caused by this organism was confirmed, and the correlation between the severity of clinical disease scored nonparametrically and the isolate recovery rate was established . The model was found to be most useful for study during the first 5 days of infection . The natural course of experimental Candida alibcans keratitis was evaluated and, on the basis of quantitative isolate recovery techniques, this model was found to be appropriate for studies lasting up to 1 week . In the second stage, corneal uptake following oral administration of fluconazole was studied in Dutch-belted rabbits . The drug was found to readily penetrate the cornea in amounts that correlated with serum levels (R = 0.89) . Eight hours following a single 20 mg/kg dose, the corneal level was 7.4 mg/gm, almost double the amount when a 10 mg/kg dose was administered . When given in a twice daily divided dose, fluconazole accumulated steadily in the corneas over a period of 5 days . The presence of inflammation induced by fungal infection did not influence corneal uptake . In the final stage, the efficacy of orally administered fluconazole in the treatment of keratomycosis was evaluated . Overall, a significant therapeutic effect was observed with both infections . Treatment of the animals with oral fluconazole for 1 day prior to inoculation with Candida albicans led to a significant decrease in isolate recovery 1 day later (P = 0.01) . However, when treatment was continued for 5 days following inoculation, no additive effect of pretreatment was noted . Pretreatment for 1 day followed by 5 days postinoculation treatment led to a significant decrease in clinical disease (P less than 0.05) and isolate recovery (P = 0.05) . A beneficial effect of pretreatment compared to treatment begun 1 day postinoculation, as measured by a reduction in clinical severity and isolate recovery, was also noted . On the basis of these short-term therapeutic studies and the excellent corneal penetration of fluconazole, further investigation of oral therapy of keratomycosis appears warranted. Vestn Dermatol Venerol, 1990, (12), 20 - 4 {The effect of nizoral and tinidazole on neutrophilic phagocytic activity in patients with rubromycosis and candidiasis}; Katsitadze AG et al.; Nisoral and tinidasole effects on Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans ability to be destroyed by neutrophils were under study, as were the characteristics of neutrophil phagocytic activity in patients with various forms of trichophytosis and candidiasis over the course of nisoral or tinidasole therapy or combined therapy with both the drugs . Tinidasole and more so nisoral were found to enhance neutrophilic fungicidal activity towards Tr . rubrum and C . albicans . Combined therapy with nisoral and tinidasole distinctly augmented the counts of Ns-RFC and Nc-RFC and increased the values of the phagocytic index and the phagocytic number . Combined administration of the drugs was conducive to elevation of the neutrophilic ability to destroy the fundal elements. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(6), 445 - 54 Preclinical antimycotic activity of SDZ 89-485: a new orally and topically effective triazole; Schaude M et al.; SDZ 89-485 is a new orally and topically active triazole antifungal with efficacy superior to reference compounds in most animal infection models used for preclinical comparison of antifungals . The compound inhibits mycelial transformation of Candida albicans in vitro at MIC50 concentrations of 0.006 and 0.00019 mg l-1 in MEM and NYP medium, respectively . In rodent models of vaginal candidosis SDZ 89-485 was significantly more active than reference compounds after various oral or topical treatment regimens, with ED50 values ranging from 0.09 to 0.79 mg kg-1 and 0.01% active ingredient, respectively . When administered orally, the efficacy of SDZ 89-485 was superior to, or as good as that of the reference compounds in several murine models of systemic candidosis, sporotrichosis and histoplasmosis . In murine aspergillosis, using the kidney as the target organ . SDZ 89-485 was as active as itraconazole . Guinea pig trichophytosis was more responsive to oral fluconazole and itraconazole than to oral SDZ 89-485. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(6), 425 - 36 Activity of cilofungin (LY 121019), a new lipopeptide antibiotic, on the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of Candida albicans . Structural modifications in scanning and transmission electron microscopy; Drouhet E et al.; Cilofungin, a new biosemisynthetic analog of echinocandin B, inhibits the synthesis of beta-(1,3)-glucan resulting in severe modifications of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of sensitive organisms . The morphological modifications to budding yeast cells, pseudomycelium, mycelium and germ tubes of Candida albicans were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy after 3 and 16 h exposure to cilofungin . Changes in yeast cell morphology were apparent after 3 h in 0.1 microgram ml-1 cilofungin but were more marked in 1 and 10 micrograms ml-1 cilofungin . Most of the yeasts failed to separate and formed aggregates . Cracks and discontinuities were present in the cell wall and the cell membrane became undulated and fractured . Inclusions into the periplasmalemma space were observed, along with a release of cellular components . An important inhibition of germ tube formation was noted and the structure of true mycelium and pseudomycelium was severely modified . The budding area of yeast cells was particularly susceptible to damage by cilofungin. J Basic Microbiol, 1990, 30(10), 759 - 68 {Use of fermenter-dialysis culture for the cultivation of medically relevant microbes . III . Candida albicans}; Pfuller R et al.; For mass cultivation of Candida albicans (serotype A), a fermenter dialysis culture technique is described and compared with shaking culture and fermenter batch culture techniques . Important growth parameters such as yeast dry weight and viable cell counts demonstrate the advantage of the fermenter dialysis culture . Mannan, the major antigen from Candida albicans prepared by phenol-water extraction followed by gel chromatography was tested with the monoclonal IgM antibody H5. Biol Cell, 1990, 70(1-2), 53 - 9 Candida albicans--adriamycin interactions: ultrastructural and spectrofluorometric study of whole yeasts and spheroplasts; Bobichon H et al.; The occurrence of candidiasis in cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy requires the interrelation of Candida albicans and the antimitotic drug Adriamycin (ADM) which is well known as an intercalating agent . The whole yeasts were not affected by 2 h of contact with the drug at 10(-4) M neither for their growth curve nor for their ultrastructure, despite the presence of free ADM on their surface . Spheroplasts displayed a delay in their growth and exhibited altered nucleoli with segregation of their granular and fibrillar components . The modified emission spectrum of ADM, determined by spectrofluorometry, corresponded neither to the free ADM nor to the DNA-bound drug, but it could be related to a metabolite of the drug . The cell wall appeared to be one of the main sites for ADM resistance of Candida albicans in vitro. Perit Dial Int, 1990, 10(1), 45 - 7 Peritonitis-related deaths in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients; Digenis GE et al.; A total of 636 episodes of peritonitis occurred in 440 patients who entered our continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) program from September 1977 to February 1988 . Sixteen patients (8 male and 8 female, aged 37-77 years) died during an episode of peritonitis (fatality rate 2.5%) . They had been on CAPD for 3 to 105 (average 39) months . Six of them were diabetics . The peritonitis rate among these 16 patients were 1 episode per 12 patient months, while the corresponding figure for the whole (440) CAPD population was 14 patient months . Risk factors present in the 16 patients were: cardiovascular disease (12), cerebrovascular accident (2) peripheral artery disease (1) and pulmonary fibrosis (1) . Fever and leukocytosis were present on admission in 11 patients, while total serum proteins and albumin were significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than the corresponding values before peritonitis (56 +/- 8 vs . 65 +/- 5) . Staph . aureus was isolated in 8 patients (50%), multiple organisms in 6, Pseudomonas and Candida albicans in 1 each . An abdominal abscess was found in 4 (25%) patients . The peritoneal catheter was removed between the 5th and 10th day in 6 and after the 10th day in 7 patients . Peritonitis with sepsis was the cause of death in 13 patients . Contributing factors were cardiovascular accident in 9, uremic coma in 2, extensive GI bleeding in 2, GI perforation in 2, intestinal infarction in 1, and pneumonia in 2 patients . We conclude that the risk of peritonitis-related death in CAPD patients is increased with Staph . aureus or multibacterial peritonitis . Contributing factors are concomitant cardiovascular disease and delayed (greater than 5 days) catheter removal. Microbios, 1990, 64(260-261), 159 - 71 Growth of Candida albicans on hydrocarbons: influence on lipids and sterols; Sorkhoh NA et al.; Candida albicans KTCC 89062 an isolate from a crude oil polluted soil sample in Kuwait grew adequately on n-alkanes with only 12 to 20 carbon chains but not on aromatic hydrocarbons . This isolate grew on glucose better than on any of the alkanes . Alkane-grown cells contained higher proportions of total lipids than glucose-grown cells, and the total lipid content was directly proportional to the alkane chain length . The sterol content also increased in alkane-grown cells; the highest level was with C12 as substrate and progressively lower sterol levels were obtained as the carbon chain length increased . The phospholipid:sterol ratio decreased when the cells were grown on alkanes as compared with glucose grown cells . The ratio of unsaturated:saturated fatty acids was higher in alkane than glucose grown cells and decreased progressively from C12 to C20 as substrates . Growth on alkanes but not on glucose was associated with pseudohyphal formation. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis, 1990, 13(4), 189 - 98 Changes in the phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages from old mice after strenuous physical exercise; de la Fuente M et al.; The effect of acute physical exercise (swimming until exhaustion) on the phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages from old adult BALB/c mice (55 +/- 5 weeks old) was studied . Adherence capacity of macrophages to substrate, spontaneous mobility and chemotaxis as well as digestion capacity measured by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in presence of ingested material (latex beads) were not modified with exercise . Adherence to nylon fiber, opsonization and ingestion of Candida albicans (either spontaneous or in presence of serum), ingestion of latex particles as well as nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in absence of ingested material (oxidative metabolism measure) were increased in respect to controls with statistically significant differences (P less than 0.001) in peritoneal macrophages after the exercise. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1990, 16(10), 505 - 8 Paciforgine: a new macrolide antifungicidal isolated from Paciforgia sp-2; Perez RM et al.; A new macrolide, paciforgine, has been isolated from Paciforgia sp.-2 . The structure of the new macrolide was determined by spectrometric methods . Paciforgine is active in vitro against Trichophyton verrucosum and Candida albicans. Acta Derm Venereol, 1990, 70(6), 459 - 62 Comparison of Candida albicans adherence to human corneocytes from various populations; Srebrnik A et al.; Epidemiological data indicate that patients suffering from diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, or following prolonged treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids or oral contraceptives, have an increased tendency to develop cutaneous candidiasis . Since it is generally believed that attachment of microorganisms to host cells is an initial step in the evolution of infection, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether cells from susceptible individuals have increased capacity to bind the fungus . Corneocytes collected from the forearms of individuals of these susceptible groups were exposed in vitro to Candida albicans and adhesion to the cells was evaluated in comparison with adherence to cells from a non-susceptible population . Adherence in vitro was assayed microscopically and evaluated quantitatively by two parameters: 1) percentage of adherence - number of corneocytes with adhering yeasts on their surface, and 2) the total number of adhered yeasts . Results of the study revealed that the mean percentage of adherence and the mean total number of yeasts adhering to cells from individuals of the susceptible populations was twice as high as values in a healthy population . Statistical analysis of the data by Student's t-test indicated that the difference was significant (p less than 0.001). J Electron Microsc (Tokyo), 1990, 39(6), 477 - 86 Influence of surrounding media on preservation of cell wall ultrastructure of Candida albicans revealed by low temperature scanning electron microscopy; Kusamichi M et al.; Influence of surrounding media on the surface structures of the cell wall of Candida albicans was discussed with respect to the preservation of ultrastructure during the specimen preparation for scanning electron microscopy . The fibrillar structure of the cell surface was distinctly identified by the rapid-freezing technique . It was difficult, however, to observe this structure by the conventional specimen preparation technique . The reason for the difference between these two preparation techniques was studied using a low temperature SEM . Through investigating the influence of each step of the conventional technique on the fibrillar structure, it was found that the fibrils were drastically deformed and disappeared during the dehydration step in ethanol above 80% in concentration . In order to study which physicochemical properties participated in this disappearance phenomenon, yeast cells were treated with various media: solutions in different pH ranges and at different salt concentrations, ionic solutions, surfactants, formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone and Fehling's solution . As a result, the fibrillar structure was found well preserved when the medium had an affinity for the constituent molecules of the fibrils . When without affinity, the fibrils suffered a remarkable deformation . The mechanism of this deformation is discussed in terms of molecular interaction of solute and solvent. Int Immunol, 1990, 2(1), 9 - 13 Are primary alloresponses truly primary? Lombardi G, Sidhu S, Daly M, Batchelor JR, Makgoba W, Lechler RI. Proliferative T cell responses against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) incompatible stimulator cells in the mixed lymphocyte reaction are conventionally regarded as primary . However, it is generally accepted that the recognition of allogeneic MHC products results from a cross-reaction by self-MHC-restricted cells . These two assumptions were tested by examining the contribution of previously primed and naive T cells to 'primary' alloresponses . Peripheral blood T cells were separated into LFA-3+, memory, and LFA-3-, naive, populations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting . In contrast, to recall antigen responses to Candida albicans which were almost entirely confined to the LFA-3+, memory, population, the proliferative response to MHC incompatible stimulator cells, including HLA-DR-expressing mouse L cell transfectants, was equally distributed between the two T cell subsets in 5 day assays . Furthermore, limiting dilution analysis showed that the frequency of alloreactive T cells did not differ significantly between the two populations . The kinetics of proliferation in the two populations differed but were consistent with their naive and memory phenotype, in that after 3 days of culture the LFA-3+ cells proliferated more strongly to MHC alloantigens . These results show that a substantial proportion of 'primary' alloresponses are contributed by previously primed cells . In addition, the evidence for the cross-reactive hypothesis is supported and extended from the clonal to the population level. Lab Delo, 1990, (8), 51 - 4 {Evaluation of allergy to conditionally pathogenic fungi}; Fradkin VA et al.; Sensitization to Candida albicans, Mucor, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Rhizopus nigricans was studied in vitro and in vivo in patients suffering from allergic diseases . The overwhelming majority of the positive responses to skin tests were of the immediate type . In parallel with the immediate responses, delayed ones were recorded in some patients . Positive responses in radioallergosorbent test and in estimation of the neutrophil injury index according to V . A . Fradkin did not always correlate with the skin test results . High titers of total IgE in some cases did not coincide with the titers of specific antibodies. J Med Vet Mycol, 1990, 28(3), 241 - 52 Expression of an epitope by surface glycoproteins of Candida albicans . Variability among species, strains and yeast cells of the genus Candida; Fruit J et al.; Expression of an antigenic epitope reactive with an IgM monoclonal antibody was studied in 253 Candida isolates by direct agglutination . Isolates of Candida albicans reacted significantly more often with the antibody than did isolates of other species . The agglutination scores for C . albicans isolates from sources associated with possible deep-seated Candida infection were significantly higher than for those from other sources . However, there was considerable overlap of scores between these two groups so that the functional significance of the association is uncertain . There were no associations between agglutination score and C . albicans biotype: multiple isolates from individual patients gave similar agglutination scores . Expression of the epitope within colonies of cloned strains was studied by autoradiography of colony blots on nitrocellulose and by immunoperoxidase staining of colonies in situ . It was found that the epitope was expressed variably by portions of colonies of both agglutination-positive and agglutination-negative strains . Indirect immunofluorescence revealed that expression of the epitope at the surface of C . albicans germ tubes and their associated buds was variable from cell to cell . It was not directly related to morphology or stage of growth of the cells. Am J Ophthalmol, 1989 Dec 15, 108(6), 665 - 9 Contact lens disinfection by ultraviolet light; Dolman PJ et al.; A 253.7-nm ultraviolet light with an intensity of 1,100 microW/cm2 was tested for its germicidal activity against contact lenses and storage solutions contaminated with various corneal pathogens . The exposure time necessary to reduce a concentration of organisms from 10(6)/ml to less than 10/ml was 30 seconds for Staphylococcus aureus, 60 seconds for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 84 seconds for Candida albicans . The time necessary to sterilize a suspension of 10(4)/ml Acanthamoeba polyphaga was less than three minutes with this technique . Four brands of soft contact lenses were exposed to ultraviolet light for over eight hours without changing their appearance, comfort, or refraction. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 Dec 8, 993(2-3), 179 - 85 Inhibition of yeast exoglucanases by glucosidase inhibitors; Ridruejo JC et al.; Castanospermine, 1-deoxynojirimycin, and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin, three well-characterized inhibitors of the glucosidases involved in the processing of N-linked oligosaccharides, did not affect the biosynthesis or the secretion of exoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.58) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans but inhibited the activity itself . Regardless of the substrate used, laminarin or p-nitrophenyl beta-D-glucoside (pNPG), all three inhibitors proved to act in a competitive manner . Castanospermine was the most potent inhibitor, with Ki values ranging from 0.16 to 0.5 microM for three different purified yeast exoglucanases . The inhibition caused by 1-deoxynojirimycin and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin was poorer, but still significant . By contrast, the glucosidase inhibitors did not show any action on a partially purified endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) Candida albicans . A purified exoglucanase from Basidiomycete QM 806, which was specific for laminarin, was unaffected by castanospermine but it was still inhibited in an uncompetitive manner by 1-deoxynojirimycin and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin . The presence of castanospermine in the culture medium of growing yeasts did not have any effect on yeast growth in spite of the fact that, under the conditions used, the external exoglucanase was fully inhibited . None of the yeast exoglucanases hydrolyzed the glucan synthesized in vitro by membrane preparations derived from either yeast . These results support the concept that yeast exoglucanases are glucosidases that also attack laminarin, rather than glucanases capable of attacking pNPG. J Gen Microbiol, 1989 Dec, 135 ( Pt 12), 3363 - 72 Biological attributes of colony-type variants of Candida albicans; Dutton S et al.; Twenty 'commensal' oral or 'pathogenic' vaginal isolates of Candida albicans were examined for colony morphology on malt/yeast-extract and serum-based agar media . Diverse and variable colony morphology was seen on serum agar . In 17 strains, selective subculture of morphologically atypical colonies produced progeny which had reverted to the morphology of the majority of parental colonies . However, in one strain, a highly stable colony variant was isolated which did not revert on subculture . In two further strains, variants were isolated which could be maintained with at least 99% homogeneous colony type by selective colony subculture, but reversion to the parental type or switching to other morphologies occurred at rates of 10(-2) to 10(-4): a rapid switching phenomenon . The relative proportions of mycelial or yeast forms were the main determinants of colony morphology . The variants were biotyped using a selection of biochemical tests . The stable variant differed from its parent in several characters, including rate of production of a proteinase enzyme . The pathogenicity of variants was compared in mice, and both stable and switching variants differed in virulence from their parental strains . Colony-type variation on suitable media is thus a powerful tool in the isolation of mutants or variants of C . albicans which differ from 'isogenic' parents in significant biological properties . Such variants may aid identification and characterization at the molecular level of determinants of, for example, pathogenicity and morphogenesis. Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1989 Dec, 272(2), 196 - 201 Influence of some carbohydrates and concanavalin A on the adherence of Candida albicans in vitro to buccal epithelial cells; Macura AB et al.; The influence of some carbohydrates and of a lectin, Concanavalin A on the in vitro adherence of ten C . albicans strains to buccal epithelial cells has been assessed . D-glucose, D-galactose and sucrose significantly (p less than 0.005) enhanced the adherence and so did D-mannose (p less than 0.025) . Incubation with D-xylose, D-ribose, D-fructose, maltose, lactose and raffinose did not influence adherence . Pretreatment of the fungal cells or epithelial cells with glucose and mannose did not enhance adherence . Concanavalin A significantly inhibited the adherence of fungal cells to buccal epithelial cells both when it was added to the test medium (p less than 0.005) and when the fungal or epithelial cells were pretreated with it (p less than 0.001). Eur J Cell Biol, 1989 Dec, 50(2), 285 - 90 Dynamic changes of the cell wall surface of Candida albicans associated with germination and adherence; Tronchin G et al.; The distribution of mannoproteins at the cell wall surface of Candida albicans was analyzed during the process of germination in conditions favoring adherence of germ tubes to a plastic matrix . Three cytochemical methods allowing the detection of concanavalin A binding sites, anionic sites and the enzyme acid phosphatase, respectively were used . All three methods gave similar results, indicating a spatial and temporal reorganization of some cell wall mannoproteins: a strong labeling was observed on blastoconidia; in contrast, as soon as the emergence of germ tubes took place, these reactions decreased dramatically at the surface of mother cells, whereas the germ tube surface was strongly stained . Some new components with multiple biological activities were detected at the germ-tube surface . Indeed, among mannoproteins responsible for an enhanced adhesion to plastic surfaces, two components with molecular weights of 68 and 60 to 62 kDa were shown to interact with laminin, fibrinogen, and C3d . This study therefore indicates that germination, and then adherence of germ tubes, imply a degradation of surface mannoproteins, and a simultaneous presentation of new molecules which can interact with their nonbiological materials or host proteins. Photochem Photobiol, 1989 Dec, 50(6), 753 - 61 Action spectra and chromophores for lethal photosensitization of Candida albicans by DNA monoadducts formed by 8-methoxypsoralen and monofunctional furocoumarins; Baydoun SA et al.; The red-shift of furocoumarin action spectra, compared with their absorption spectra, has been investigated . An action spectrum for 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) monoadduct formation in the yeast Candida albicans has been determined . The yeast cells were initially exposed to sublethal doses of monochromatic UVA at different wavelengths . Monoadduct formation was monitored by growth inhibition induced, after washing out any unbound 8-MOP, by re-irradiation with a constant second (non-lethal) dose of 330 nm radiation . A comparison between this action spectrum and the absorption spectrum of the dark complex of 8-MOP and DNA was made . In addition, the action spectra of monoadduct formation of five monofunctional compounds including a coumarin derivative have been determined . These action spectra were compared with their respective DNA dark complex absorption spectra . In general, the peaks of the furocoumarin DNA dark complexes show a red-shift when compared with the free furocoumarin molecule and the action spectra show peaks which correspond with the peaks of the dark complexes . Such data indicate that the DNA dark complex is the chromophore for growth inhibition in yeast rather than the free furocoumarin . The similarity of the 8-MOP monoadduct formation action spectrum and 8-MOP action spectra suggests that spectral dependence for the photobiological effects (including the red-shift) is dependent on monoadduct formation rather than, as previously suggested by several authors, crosslink formation . The action spectrum for the coumarin derivative 4-methyl N-ethylpyrrolo (3,2-g) coumarin (PCNEt) correlated well with the free molecule absorption spectrum rather than DNA dark complex indicating that the free molecule is the chromophore.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Mycoses, 1989 Dec, 32(12), 644 - 51 Scanning electron microscopic pattern of recurrent vaginitis by Candida albicans in the mouse; Gargani G et al.; The scanning electron microscopic pattern of the development of yeasts of Candida albicans on the vaginal mucosa of mice in oestral phase, was studied in four consecutive infections performed at 30 d intervals . The findings were practically identical following the 1st and 2nd infections, evidencing a progressive mycelial development starting from 12 to 72 h after inoculation with C . albicans yeasts . In the 3rd and 4th infections the mycelial tufts appeared extremely reduced in number and size, although there was an acceleration in the early evolutive phases and the filamentation process had already started 6 h after infection . It can be concluded that, after successive infections with C . albicans, mouse vaginal mucous membrane develops a local state of resistance evidenced by the decrease in mycelial tufts . The possible causes of the early onset of the filamentation process are discussed. Mycoses, 1989 Dec, 32(12), 631 - 7 In vitro antifungal activity of saperconazole (R 66905) against Candida and Torulopsis; Mallie M et al.; The susceptibility of several strains of Candida and Torulopsis to saperconazole, a new triazole antifungal compound, was compared to that of ketoconazole . The MICs of the two antifungal agents were determined against 70 strains of Candida albicans, 10 strains of C . guilliermondii, 10 strains of C . krusei, 10 strains of C . parapsilosis, 10 strains of C . pseudotropicalis, 10 strains of C . tropicalis and 15 strains of Torulopsis glabrata . The fungistatic activity was evaluated by the agar dilution method using BHI and casitone media after incubation for 48 hours at 28-30 degrees C . The in vitro activity of saperconazole was similar to that of ketoconazole for most of the Candida spp . tested except for C . krusei in particular . An MIC of less than or equal to 3.12 micrograms/ml for saperconazole was found with 92% of the C . albicans strains tested . In contrast, T . glabrata was more susceptible to ketoconazole. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Dec, 8(12), 1067 - 70 Effects of cilofungin (LY121019) on carbohydrate and sterol composition of Candida albicans; Pfaller M et al.; Cilofungin (LY 121019) is a novel analogue of echinocandin B with potent activity against Candida albicans . The effects of cilofungin on the sterol and cell wall carbohydrate composition of Candida albicans were investigated . Exposure of Candida albicans to cilofungin resulted in a 55-60% decrease in ergosterol and a 4-13% decrease in lanosterol content relative to controls . Carbohydrate analysis revealed a 72-79% decrease in glucan content and no significant decrease in mannan or chitin content relative to controls . These studies suggest that cilofungin specifically inhibits glucan synthesis in Candida albicans and thus may be less toxic to mammalian cells . The effects of cilofungin on sterol composition may be non-specific and will require additional investigation. J Chemother, 1989 Dec, 1(6), 388 - 90 Action of the ketoconazole-alkylaminoethylglycine combination on Candida albicans; Villa A et al.; High concentrations of ketoconazole (Ktc) exhibit poor antimicrobial activity in microbicidal test . Alkylaminoethylglycine (AAEG), an amphoteric surface-active agent, employed in subinhibitory concentrations, can enhance the action of ketoconazole . The Ktc-AAEG combination causes a higher rate of potassium ion release compared to both drugs separately . The increased ketoconazole activity may be ascribed to the membrane damage indicated by increased permeability to potassium ions. Urology, 1989 Dec, 34(6), 385 - 7 Detection by light microscopy of Candida in thin sections of bladder stone; Takeuchi H et al.; We detected fungi morphologically resembling Candida albicans in an infected bladder stone by light microscopy of thin sections . The fungi were found in the layers precipitated with oxalate crystals and were invading the interstices surrounded with apatite or struvite crystals as in tissue infection . This presumably represents a superimposed infection due to changes in flora following treatment with antibiotics. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Dec, 27(12), 2815 - 9 Gas chromatographic assessment of alcoholyzed fatty acids from yeasts: a new chemotaxonomic method; Brondz I et al.; An alternative chemotaxonomic method to methanolysis was developed for gas chromatographic assessment of fatty acids in whole yeast cells . Clinical and reference strains of the medically important yeasts Candida albicans, Torulopsis glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were cultured for 48 h at 26 degrees C . Cellular lysis and transesterification were then performed with ethanol, propanol, butanol, or methanol . The relative recovery rates for cellular fatty acids, including the volatile acids C10:0 and C12:0, were similar after alcoholysis with ethanol, propanol, or butanol, while methanolysis gave lower recoveries of volatile fatty acids . Thus, after ethanolysis, the recovery of C10:0 acid (0.1, 1, and 10%) from a defined matrix (lyophilized Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans cells) varied from 97 to 102%, while the recovery of C10:0 after methanolysis varied from 49 to 75% . This indicated that with the frequently used methanolysis technique, there is a considerable loss of volatile fatty acids . These acids may be used as marker molecules for taxonomic differentiation between yeasts. Infect Immun, 1989 Dec, 57(12), 3876 - 81 Environmental alteration and phenotypic regulation of Candida albicans adhesion to plastic; Kennedy MJ et al.; The adhesion of Candida albicans to plastic was examined after growth in two chemically defined media, Lee-Buckley-Campbell (LBC) and yeast nitrogen base (YNB), by binding isotherms, Langmuir isotherms, and Scatchard plots, and the number of binding sites (N) and the affinity constants (K) were calculated . K and N were twofold and fourfold higher, respectively, after growth in LBC compared with that in YNB . A comparison of adhesion in different assay solutions gave similar results, with the solution given to dehydrated patients (5% glucose in 0.45% NaCl {D5.45}) allowing for the highest K and the largest N . Scatchard curves for both LBC- and YNB-grown cells had negative slopes, which is supportive evidence for the view that negative cooperativity is involved in the binding process . Additional experiments to examine the role of cell surface hydrophobicity in adhesion to plastic were conducted with the white and opaque phenotypes of C . albicans . There was no significant difference in the adhesion of these phenotypes to plastic, although the opaque phenotype was significantly more hydrophobic . Adhesion, but not cell surface hydrophobicity, of both phenotypes was significantly greater in D5.45 . Moreover, relatively hydrophilic mycelial forms of C . albicans were found to attach only when D5.45 was used as the assay medium and, in contrast to yeast-phase cells, were insensitive to reduced adhesion by nonionic detergents . These results suggest that the adhesion of C . albicans to plastic is regulated by environmental circumstances and the phenotypic state of the organism. Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1989 Dec, 63(12), 1301 - 7 {Treatment of experimental murine candidiasis with liposome-encapsulated amphotericin B}; Sasahara T; Multilamellar liposomes composed of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidic acid and cholesterol at a molar ratio of 4:1:4 were prepared so as to entrap a solution of amphotericin B (AMB) and its efficacy in the treatment of murine systemic candidiasis were studied . There were marked differences in susceptibility to systemic candidiasis among several strains of mice . The number of cultivable Candida albicans increased remarkably in the kidney up to 6.4 X 10(5) c.f.u./g, but not so marked in the lung, when challenged i.v . with 3.7 X 10(5) fungal cells into a relatively resistant strain BALB/C mice . Liposome-encapsulated amphotericin B (L-AMB) permitted larger doses of AMB to be administered without the occurrence of the acute anaphylaxis-like and subacute toxicity as expressed by a decreased renal function . The mice treated with a single injection of 4 mg/kg of L-AMB showed the prolonged survival after challenge . The results obtained showed that the use of liposomes as a drug delivery system for AMB would improve significantly the therapeutic efficacy of the antibiotic against candidiasis. Ann Thorac Surg, 1989 Dec, 48(6), 857 - 8 Tricuspid valve Candida endocarditis cured by valve-sparing debridement; Tanaka M et al.; This report describes the case of a patient in whom Candida albicans tricuspid valve endocarditis was treated by excision of a large vegetation and partial tricuspid valvectomy without prosthetic valve replacement . In select patients, valve-sparing debridement may allow a long-term cure and may be the procedure of choice in the treatment of Candida tricuspid valve endocarditis. Am J Med, 1989 Dec, 87(6), 614 - 20 Risk factors for nosocomial candidemia: a case-control study in adults without leukemia; Bross J et al.; PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define risk factors for nosocomial candidemia in adult patients without leukemia at a tertiary care medical center . PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with nosocomial candidemia between August 1, 1981, and October 31, 1984, were included if they met strict selection criteria and did not have acute or chronic leukemia . For each case, one control was selected from among patients admitted during the same month/year and matched for hospital service and duration of hospitalization up to the first blood culture that grew Candida species . Logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of risk after simultaneously controlling for other variables . RESULTS: Candida albicans caused 24 of the 48 fungemias studied . The risk factors identified included the presence of a central line (odds ratio, 26.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 451.1); bladder catheter (13.0 1.3 to 131.4); two or more antibiotics (25.1, 2.1 to 318); azotemia (22.1, 2.2 to 223.2); transfer from another hospital (21.3, 1.7 to 274.5); diarrhea (10.2, 1.03 to 101.4); and candiduria (27.0, 1.7 to 423.5) . A prior surgical procedure was associated with lowered risk (0.1, 0.01 to 0.9), suggesting perhaps that medical service patients are at higher risk than those on surgical services . Because total parenteral nutrition was always administered by means of a central line, it could not be shown to increase the risk over that conferred by a central line alone . CONCLUSIONS: This study has defined seven major risk factors for nosocomial candidemia . These findings should facilitate development of rational approaches to preventing infection and may assist clinicians in identifying those patients in whom this life-threatening complication is likely to occur. Genetics, 1989 Dec, 123(4), 667 - 73 Genetic analysis of prototrophic natural variants of Candida albicans; Goshorn AK et al.; To facilitate genetic analysis of Candida albicans natural variants, we have isolated a dominant mycophenolic acid-resistant mutant . Mycophenolic acid-resistant auxotrophs were used to analyze prototrophic natural variants by spheroplast fusion . The fusion products were shown to be heterozygous for many of the parental chromosomes by molecular and genetic criteria . Using this approach, we have found that one type of morphologic variation is due to a recessive change and identified three dominant 5-fluorocytosine-resistant mutants . Rare fusion products express recessive parental markers . These exceptional progeny should be useful for linkage analysis and strain construction. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Dec, 24(6), 905 - 19 Abrogation by glucose of the ATP suppression induced by miconazole in Candida albicans; Abbott AB et al.; Miconazole at 10 mg/l effected rapid (less than 1 min) and substantial (greater than 99%) reductions of intracellular ATP concentrations in buffered suspensions of Candida albicans . This ATP-suppressive effect was mirrored by a rapid reduction in the viable counts of the suspensions . However, the presence of exogenous glucose or fructose (but not several other carbon sources) greatly retarded the ATP-suppressive effect of miconazole . Glucose and fructose could even reverse the suppression when they were added to miconazole-pretreated suspensions . These data indicated that the non-viable cells remained metabolically active . The abrogatory effect of glucose on ATP reduction was optimal between pH 6.5 and 7: it was prevented by fluoride, a known inhibitor of glycolysis, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose could not substitute for glucose, demonstrating that metabolism of glucose was essential for the effect . Two detergents and orthovanadate were much less potent ATP suppressors than miconazole, but the proton pump uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) was 10 times more active . The results suggest that miconazole may reduce ATP either by u