Influence of subinhibitory antifungal concentrations on extracellular hydrolases and biofilm production by Candida albicans recovered from Egyptian patients.

Background: Extracellular hydrolases (phospholipase, aspartyl protease and haemolysin) and biofilm production are considered as major virulence factors of the opportunistic pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. However, the impact of antifungal therapy on such virulence attributes is not well investigated. The common antifungal agents may disturb the production of secreted hydrolases as well as biofilm formation.

Correlation between antifungal resistance and virulence factors in Candida albicans recovered from vaginal specimens.

Candida albicans is considered as the leading species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. Numerous virulence determinants and escalating resistance to antifungal therapy have contributed to its pathogenicity. However, correlation between resistance profiles and virulence patterns of C.