Biomedical subjects

Jyotsna Chandra

Publications and source records attributed to Jyotsna Chandra.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Alcohol dehydrogenase restricts the ability of the pathogen Candida albicans to form a biofilm on catheter surfaces through an ethanol-based mechanism.

Candida biofilms formed on indwelling medical devices are increasingly associated with severe infections. In this study, we used proteomics and Western and Northern blotting analyses to demonstrate that alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) is downregulated in Candida biofilms. Disruption of ADH1 significantly (P = 0.0046) enhanced the ability of Candida albicans to form biofilm. Confocal scanning laser microscopy showed that the adh1 mutant formed thicker biofilm than the parent strain (210 microm and 140 microm, respectively). These observations were extended to an engineered human oral mucosa and an in vivo rat model of catheter-associated biofilm. Inhibition of Candida ADH enzyme using disulfiram and 4-methylpyrazole resulted in thicker biofilm (P < 0.05). Moreover, biofilms formed by the adh1 mutant strain produced significantly smaller amounts of ethanol, but larger amounts of acetaldehyde, than biofilms formed by the parent and revertant strains (P < 0.0001), demonstrating that the effect of Adh1p on biofilm formation is mediated by its enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we found that 10% ethanol significantly inhibited biofilm formation in vitro, with complete inhibition of biofilm formation at ethanol concentrations of >/=20%. Similarly, using a clinically relevant rabbit model of catheter-associated biofilm, we found that ethanol treatment inhibited biofilm formation by C. albicans in vivo (P < 0.05) but not by Staphylococcus spp. (P > 0.05), indicating that ethanol specifically inhibits Candida biofilm formation. Taken together, our studies revealed that Adh1p contributes to the ability of C. albicans to form biofilms in vitro and in vivo and that the protein restricts biofilm formation through an ethanol-dependent mechanism. These results are clinically relevant and may suggest novel antibiofilm treatment strategies.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

PubMed2005

Modification of surface properties of biomaterials influences the ability of Candida albicans to form biofilms.

Candida albicans biofilms form on indwelling medical devices (e.g., denture acrylic or intravenous catheters) and are associated with both oral and invasive candidiasis. Here, we determined whether surface modifications of polyetherurethane (Elasthane 80A [E80A]), polycarbonateurethane, and poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) can influence fungal biofilm formation. Polyurethanes were modified by adding 6% polyethylene oxide (6PEO), 6% fluorocarbon, or silicone, while the PET surface was modified to generate hydrophilic, hydrophobic, cationic, or anionic surfaces. Formation of biofilm was quantified by determining metabolic activity and total biomass (dry weight), while its architecture was analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The metabolic activity of biofilm formed by C. albicans on 6PEO-E80A was significantly reduced (by 78%) compared to that of biofilm formed on the nonmodified E80A (optical densities of 0.054 +/- 0.020 and 0.24 +/- 0.10, respectively; P = 0.037). The total biomass of Candida biofilm formed on 6PEO-E80A was 74% lower than that on the nonmodified E80A surface (0.46 +/- 0.15 versus 1.76 +/- 0.32 mg, respectively; P = 0.003). Fungal cells were easily detached from the 6PEO-E80A surface, and we were unable to detect C. albicans biofilm on this surface by CSLM. All other surface modifications allowed formation of C. albicans biofilm, with some differences in thearchitecture. Correlation between contact angle and biofilm formation was observed for polyetherurethane substrates (r = 0.88) but not for PET biomaterials (r = -0.40). This study illustrates that surface modification is a viable approach for identifying surfaces that have antibiofilm characteristics. Investigations into the clinical utility of the identified surfaces are warranted.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2005

Fungal biofilms and antimycotics.

Device-related infections in most nosocomial diseases can be traced to the formation of biofilms (microbial communities encased within a polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix) by pathogens on surfaces of these devices. Candida species are the most common causative agents of these infections, and biofilms formed by these fungal organisms are associated with drastically enhanced resistance against most antimicrobial agents. This enhanced resistance contributes to the persistence of this fungus despite antifungal therapy. Recent studies showed that Candida biofilms exhibit antifungal resistance against most antifungal agents with the exception of echinocandins and lipid formulations of AMB. This review discusses methods used to evaluate biofilm resistance and provide information on susceptibility pattern of candidal biofilm as well as studies investigating the mechanisms underlying biofilm resistance.

Antifungal Agents↗

PubMed2004

RT-PCR detection of Candida albicans ALS gene expression in the reconstituted human epithelium (RHE) model of oral candidiasis and in model biofilms.

An RT-PCR assay was developed to analyse expression patterns of genes in the Candida albicans ALS (agglutinin-like sequence) family. Inoculation of a reconstituted human buccal epithelium (RHE) model of mucocutaneous candidiasis with strain SC5314 showed destruction of the epithelial layer by C. albicans and also formation of an upper fungal layer that had characteristics similar to a biofilm. RT-PCR analysis of total RNA samples extracted from C. albicans-inoculated buccal RHE showed that ALS1, ALS2, ALS3, ALS4, ALS5 and ALS9 were consistently detected over time as destruction of the RHE progressed. Detection of transcripts from ALS7, and particularly from ALS6, was more sporadic, but not associated with a strictly temporal pattern. The expression pattern of ALS genes in C. albicans cultures used to inoculate the RHE was similar to that observed in the RHE model, suggesting that contact of C. albicans with buccal RHE does little to alter ALS gene expression. RT-PCR analysis of RNA samples extracted from model denture and catheter biofilms showed similar gene expression patterns to the buccal RHE specimens. Results from the RT-PCR analysis of biofilm RNA specimens were consistent between various C. albicans strains during biofilm development and were comparable to gene expression patterns in planktonic cells. The RT-PCR assay described here will be useful for analysis of human clinical specimens and samples from other disease models. The method will provide further insight into the role of ALS genes and their encoded proteins in the diverse interactions between C. albicans and its host.

Agglutinins↗

PubMed2004

Rabbit model of Candida albicans biofilm infection: liposomal amphotericin B antifungal lock therapy.

Catheter-related infections due to Candida albicans biofilms are a leading cause of fungal nosocomial bloodstream infection. In this paper, we describe the development of a model of catheter-associated infection with C. albicans biofilms and show that antifungal lock therapy with liposomal amphotericin B is an effective treatment strategy for these infections. Silicone catheters surgically placed in New Zealand White rabbits were infected with C. albicans, and the rabbits were randomized into three groups: (i) untreated controls, (ii) liposomal amphotericin B lock, and (iii) fluconazole lock. Upon completion of therapy, blood cultures were obtained and the catheters were removed for quantitative culture and scanning electron microscopic analyses. Quantitative cultures revealed that catheters treated with liposomal amphotericin B yielded 0 CFU, which was significant compared to the untreated controls (P < 0.001) and the fluconazole-treated group (P = 0.0079). Although fluconazole treatment tended to have lower CFU compared to untreated controls, there was no difference in mean colony counts between these two groups (1.128 +/- 0.764 and 1.841 +/- 1.141 log(10) CFU/catheter segment, respectively; P = 0.297). Scanning electron microscopy revealed abundant biofilm in the control and fluconazole groups, while the liposomal amphotericin B group was virtually cleared. These findings suggest a possible treatment strategy for the successful salvage of catheters infected with C. albicans biofilms and describe an animal model that may play an important role in the further study of C. albicans biofilm pathogenesis and evaluation of potential antibiofilm agents.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed2004

Candida parapsilosis characterization in an outbreak setting.

Candida parapsilosis is an important non-albicans species which infects hospitalized patients. No studies have correlated outbreak infections of C. parapsilosis with multiple virulence factors. We used DNA fingerprinting to determine genetic variability among isolates from a C. parapsilosis outbreak and from our clinical database. We compared phenotypic markers of pathogenesis, including adherence, biofilm formation, and protein secretion (secretory aspartic protease [SAP] and phospholipase). Adherence was measured as colony counts on silicone elastomer disks immersed in agar. Biofilms formed on disks were quantified by dry weight. SAP expression was measured by hydrolysis of bovine albumin; a colorimetric assay was used to quantitate phospholipase. DNA fingerprinting indicated that the outbreak isolates were clonal and genetically distinct from our database. Biofilm expression by the outbreak clone was greater than that of sporadic isolates (p < or =0.0005). Adherence and protein secretion did not correlate with strain pathogenicity. These results suggest that biofilm production plays a role in C. parapsilosis outbreaks.

Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases↗

PubMed2003

Differential expression of Candida albicans phospholipase B (PLB1) under various environmental and physiological conditions.

Candida is the fourth most common organism responsible for bloodstream infections in many intensive care units, with Candida albicans being the most predominant species isolated in such cases. It has previously been shown that candidal phospholipase B, encoded by the PLB1 gene, is an important virulence factor for C. albicans pathogenesis. In this study, the effects of environmental factors (carbohydrate source and pH) and physiological conditions (serum, phospholipids and temperature) on the expression of PLB1 by C. albicans cells grown in rich [Sabouraud dextrose broth (SB) or yeast extract/peptone/dextrose] or chemically defined [Lee's, RPMI-1640 or yeast nitrogen base (YNB)] media were investigated. Northern blot analyses revealed that PLB1 mRNA was expressed in C. albicans cells grown in rich media at 30 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. However, the protein Plb1p was detected in fungal cells growing at 37 degrees C in SB, as determined by Western blot analysis, indicating that although the mRNA for this gene was not detected, the actual gene product was present at this temperature. Expression of PLB1 was detected in cells grown in YNB/glucose at 30 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. However, growth of C. albicans in YNB/glucose supplemented with serum and phospholipids resulted in expression of PLB1 at 37 degrees C also. Additionally, acidic pH induced higher levels of PLB1 mRNA expression compared to neutral pH, while the morphological form of C. albicans did not have any influence on the expression of this gene. The studies described here show that the expression of PLB1 is regulated by nutritional supplementation, environmental factors and the growth phase of the C. albicans cells, as well as by physiological conditions. The differential expression of PLB1 in response to environmental factors may be correlated to host-specific components available to C. albicans during infection.

Candida albicans↗

PubMed2003

Mechanism of fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans biofilms: phase-specific role of efflux pumps and membrane sterols.

Candida albicans biofilms are formed through three distinct developmental phases and are associated with high fluconazole (FLU) resistance. In the present study, we used a set of isogenic Candida strains lacking one or more of the drug efflux pumps Cdr1p, Cdr2p, and Mdr1p to determine their role in FLU resistance of biofilms. Additionally, variation in sterol profile as a possible mechanism of drug resistance was investigated. Our results indicate that parent and mutant strains formed similar biofilms. However, biofilms formed by double and triple mutants were more susceptible to FLU at 6 h (MIC = 64 and 16 microg/ml, respectively) than the wild-type strain (MIC > 256 microg/ml). At later time points (12 and 48 h), all the strains became resistant to this azole (MIC > or = 256 microg/ml), indicating lack of involvement of efflux pumps in resistance at late stages of biofilm formation. Northern blot analyses revealed that Candida biofilms expressed CDR and MDR1 genes in all the developmental phases, while planktonic cells expressed these genes only at the 12- and 48-h time points. Functionality of efflux pumps was assayed by rhodamine (Rh123) efflux assays, which revealed significant differences in Rh123 retention between biofilm and planktonic cells at the early phase (P = 0.0006) but not at later stages (12 and 48 h). Sterol analyses showed that ergosterol levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) at intermediate and mature phases, compared to those in early-phase biofilms. These studies suggest that multicomponent, phase-specific mechanisms are operative in antifungal resistance of fungal biofilms.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed2001

Reintroduction of the PLB1 gene into Candida albicans restores virulence in vivo.

Phospholipases have been proposed to contribute to the virulence of Candida albicans. Recently, a candidal strain deleted for PLB1, the gene encoding the predominant phospholipase B (Plb1) secreted by C. albicans, was constructed and its virulence in an intravenous murine model of disseminated candidiasis was evaluated. In the present study, the PLB1 gene was reintroduced back into the plb1 null mutant to generate the revertant strain, which showed similar growth and morphology to its isogenic parent strain. Virulence of the revertant strain was found to be comparable to that of the parent strain in an intravenous murine model of disseminated candidiasis. To compare the abilities of the plb1 null mutant, the revertant and the isogenic parent strains to cross the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cause systemic infection, an oral-intragastric infant mouse model of candidiasis was used. Histological examinations and analysis of c.f.u. of the pathogen in liver homogenates revealed that the parental and revertant strains were able to invade and traverse the GI mucosa to a significantly greater extent than the plb1 null mutant. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic studies of infected host tissue using anti-Plb1 antibody showed that Plb1 is secreted during invasion of the gastric mucosa by the parental and revertant strains. In contrast, little or no labelling was observed in the null mutant strain. The results indicate that the Plb1 secreted by C. albicans enhances the ability of this organism to cross the GI tract and disseminate haematogenously. These studies provide unequivocal evidence supporting a role for Plb1 during the course of infection by C. albicans.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Candida biofilm resistance.

Device-related infections in most nosocomial diseases can be traced to the formation of biofilms (microbial communities encased within polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix) by pathogens on surfaces of these devices. Candida species are the most common fungi isolated from these infections, and biofilms formed by these fungal organisms are associated with drastically enhanced resistance against most antimicrobial agents. This enhanced resistance contributes to the persistence of this fungus despite antifungal therapy. Candida biofilms exhibit enhanced resistance against most antifungal agents, except echinocandins and lipid formulations of AmB. The expression of drug efflux pumps during the early phase of biofilm formation and alterations in membrane sterol composition contribute to resistance of these biofilms against azoles. Metabolic dormancy and ECM do not appear to contribute to resistance, although in a mixed-species biofilm, ECM does retard the diffusion of drugs across biofilm. These multifactorial mechanisms of resistance in fungal biofilms constitute a broad-spectrum defense that is effective against many types of antifungal agents, and represent a common theme present across microbial biofilms.

Animals↗