Cell Aggregation Capability of Clinical Isolates from Candida auris and Candida haemulonii Species Complex

The opportunistic fungal pathogens belonging to the Candida haemulonii complex and phylogenetically related species auris are well-known for causing infections that difficult treat due their multidrug-resistance profiles. is even more worrisome its ability cause outbreaks in healthcare settings. These emerging yeasts produce a wide range of virulence factors facilitate development infectious process. In recent years, aggregative phenotype has been receiving attention, as it mainly associated with defects cellular division possible involvement helping fungus escape from host immune responses. present study, we initially investigated aggregation 18 clinical isolates C. (C. sensu stricto, duobushaemulonii, var. vulnera) auris. Subsequently, evaluated effects physicochemical on competence. results demonstrated cell-to-cell was typically time-dependent event, which almost all studied both exhibited high after 2 h incubation at 37 °C. Interestingly, cells forming aggregates remained viable. not impacted by pH, temperature, β-mercaptoethanol (a protein-denaturing agent), or EDTA chelator agent). Conversely, proteinase K, trypsin, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) significantly diminished aggregation. Collectively, our these yeast time-dependent, surface proteins hydrophobic interactions seem mediate cell since presence proteases anionic detergents affected capability. However, further studies necessary better elucidate molecular aspects this intriguing phenomenon.