Distribution of mutations distinguishing the most prevalent disease-causing Candida albicans genotype from other genotypes.

Candida albicans is a major opportunistic pathogen of humans. Previous work has demonstrated the existence of a general-purpose genotype (GPG; equivalent to clade 1 as defined by multi-locus sequence typing data) that is more frequent than other genotypes as an agent of human disease and commensal colonization. We undertook a genomic screen which indicated that a large number of mutations differentiate GPG strains from other strains and that such mutations are scattered throughout the genome.

Antifungal saponins from Paris polyphylla Smith.

Three steroidal saponins, including one new and two known compounds, were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Smith. One- and two-dimensional NMR, LC-MS, and interpretation of hydrolytic cleavage experiments led to the identification of the structure of the new saponin as ( 25R)-spirost-5-ene-3 beta,17 alpha-diol (pennogenin) 3- O-{ O- alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)- O-[ O- beta-xylopyranosyl-(1-->5)- alpha- L-arabinofuranosyl-(1-->4)]- beta- D-glucopyranoside}. The isolated saponins were evaluated for their antifungal activity against Cladosporium cladosporioides and Candida species and showed comparable activity to chemicals used in some commercial products.