Isolation and characterization of a species-specific DNA probe for the detection of Candida krusei.

In an attempt to design species-specific primers for the detection of Candida krusei by polymerase chain reaction, a partial genomic DNA library from Candida krusei was screened for hybridization with radiolabeled genomic probes from a broad variety of fungal and bacterial species and from human. Species-specific candidate DNA inserts were then tested for hybridization with dot blots of DNA from various organisms. One 570-basepair insert from Candida krusei DNA that hybridized under stringent conditions only with DNA from Candida krusei and human was sequenced.

Activity of some Mannich bases of conjugated styryl ketones against Candida albicans.

A number of Mannich bases of conjugated styryl ketones displayed activity against Candida albicans strains 3153A and B311. Antifungal potency was influenced by the relative hydrophobicities of the molecules and on occasions by the electronic nature of the aryl substituents. The compounds inhibited one or more of the following enzymes in the glutathione metabolic pathway namely glutathione S-transferases, glutathione reductase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutathione peroxidase.

Urinary excretion of Tamm-Horsfall protein in elderly women.

The incidence of urinary tract infection is higher in the geriatric population than in younger adults despite the exclusion of patients with known risk factors. Tamm-Horsfall protein, a renal glycoprotein excreted in urine, may constitute a natural defense mechanism against ascending urinary tract infection by binding mannose-sensitive fimbriated microorganisms. We hypothesized that the quantity of Tamm-Horsfall protein excreted is decreased in the elderly.

Effect of Tamm-Horsfall protein on chemoluminescence response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Mannose residues on the outer membranes of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) are capable of binding mannose-sensitive Escherichia coli. Tamm-Horsfall protein, a major urinary glycoprotein, has also been shown to bind mannose-sensitive E. coli via mannose-containing side chains.

Effect of urine and urine components on the chemiluminescent response of bacteria-stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) found in urine during infectious episodes is still unknown. Opsonophagocytosis of Escherichia coli by normal blood PMN in the presence of urine was measured using a chemiluminescence (CL) assay. PMN were challenged by a type I fimbriated E.