# Comparison of virulence factors between invasive and non-invasive clinical isolates of Candida spp

## TL;DR

The study compares virulence factors in invasive and non-invasive Candida infections, finding differences in biofilm formation and enzyme activity that may influence infection severity.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into Candida virulence factors in Ecuador by comparing invasive and non-invasive isolates.

## Key findings

- Invasive Candida isolates showed higher biofilm production and metabolic activity compared to non-invasive isolates.
- Non-albicans Candida species exhibited higher biofilm-forming capacity and metabolic activity.
- Localized infection isolates had higher hydrolytic enzyme production compared to invasive isolates.

## Abstract

Invasive fungal infections have high morbidity and mortality rates, with Candida species being the leading cause in hospitalized patients. Virulence factors, such as adhesion, enzyme secretion, and biofilm formation, play a major role
in Candida pathogenesis. This study hypothesized that virulence factors in localized Candida infections behave differently than those in systemic infections.

This study compared invasive and non-invasive Candida clinical isolates in terms of biofilm formation and enzymatic activity in. Biofilm mass and metabolic activity were assessed using crystal violet and XTT assays, while phospholipase and protease activities were measured in specific media. Qualitative biofilm characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and scanning confocal laser microscopy.

Candida isolates from invasive infections showed higher bulk biofilm production and metabolic activity, compared to localized infection isolates.
Bulk biofilm production and metabolic activity were notably higher in systemic infections, compared to those in localized infections. Non-albicans
Candida species exhibited a
higher biofilm-forming capacity and metabolic activity, emphasizing their potential for more invasive infections. Conversely, hydrolytic enzyme production was higher in localized infection isolates, compared to that in systemic infection. Phospholipase activity showed no significant differences.

The differences in enzymatic activity observed in isolates from various anatomical sites underscores the importance of considering the infection context in assessing virulence These findings highlight the role of proteases
and other factors in Candida invasiveness, contributing new insights into Candida virulence factors in Ecuador.