Abstract
The effects of the alkali metal ions (Li+, Na+ and K+) on the growth and on certain virulence factors (adhesion, cell-surface hydrophobicity and germinating ability) ofCandida albicans were determined. High concentrations of these ions displayed an inhibitory effect on the growth of theCandida cells; preincubation in their presence showed a negative effect on all virulence factors studied. The changes induced during the preincubation remained there even when high concentration of the ions was removed from the cell suspension. In contrast, a considerable growth was found at high Na+ and K+ concentrations. Although alkali metal ions significantly decreased certain virulence traits of the fungus they did not totally inhibit adhesion and germ-tube formation. This suggests thatC. albicans may represent a health hazard even at a high salt concentration.
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This work was supported in part by theHungarian National Scientific Research Fund, grant no. OTKA T 032 473.
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Hermann, P., Forgács, K., Gál, E. et al. Effects of alkali metal ions on some virulence traits ofCandida albicans . Folia Microbiol 48, 173–176 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02930951
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02930951