Virulence Attributes of Clinical Candida glabrata (Sensu Stricto) Isolates in the West Region of Cameroon

Background: Studies on the assessment of the virulence factors of C. glabrata sensu stricto strains are on the rise. This is partly due to the increase in recurrent C. glabrata infections that have contributed to increased mortality rates. Published data on the virulence characteristics of C. glabrata strains in Cameroon are very rare.

Aims: This study aimed at assessing some virulence characteristics, including the capacity to form biofilms and hydrolytic enzymes (protease, esterase and phospholipase).

Methods: Fifty-four (54) molecularly (MALDI-TOF) identified non-duplicate C. glabrata sensu stricto clinical isolates initially collected in a previous study, were used in the present study. These isolates were obtained from stool (S), urine (U), oro-pharyngeal (OPS) and cervico-vaginal (CVS) swabs of pregnant women, diabetic patients (both types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus), HIV/AIDS and other patients who had neither of these diseases. Phospholipase, protease, esterase and biofilm activities were assessed using previously described methods.

Results: Our results revealed that our isolates were more able to produce phospholipase (37.04%) than they were able to produce protease (1.85%) and esterase (0%). The high producers of phospholipase (Pz < 0.7) originated mostly from oro-pharyngeal swabs (41.17%) of some diabetic patients and pregnant women. Also, all our isolates were formers of biofilm, most (74.42%) of which had lower (< 100%) biofilm formation activity compared to our reference strain. To be able to give a significant conclusion about the virulence characteristics of C. glabrata strains in the west region, we recommend that more studies be carried on a larger number of strains.