ISSN:
1573-0832
Keywords:
〉 Cryptococcus neoformans
;
phospholipase
;
virulence
;
AIDS
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Secreted phospholipase has been recently proposed as a virulence determinant in Cryptococcus neoformans as well as Candida albicans. This issue of cryptococcal phospholipase requires screening of phospholipase production in a larger number of isolates from clinical and environmental sources. In this study we examined phospholipase production in a total of 67 C. neoformans isolates from AIDS patients and bird droppings by using the egg-yolk plate method. Phenoloxidase activity, capsule size and growth at 37 °C were also measured in these strains in order to observe a possible relationship between phospholipase production of different C. neoformans strains and its virulence. Four of the 21 AIDS strains at 28 °C and 1 at 37 °C did not produce phospholipase, respectively. In contrast, 38 and 34 of the 46 bird dropping strains were negative for phospholipase production at 28, and 37 °C, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in phospholipase production, capsule size and growth ability at 37 °C, but not phenoloxidase activity, between the AIDS and the bird dropping strains. The highly prevalent distribution of phospholipase activity in the AIDS strains suggests a role of the enzyme in invading the host.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006985913191
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