Pathogenic characteristics of yeasts isolated from vaginal secretion preserved under mineral oil

Severo Gomes B (1), Souza Motta CM (1), Lima AN (1), Porto ALF (2)

(1) Department of Mycology, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil; (2) Department of Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the pathogenicity of yeasts isolated from vaginal secretion of pregnant and non-pregnant women - stored in mineral oil at the URM Mycology Collection, Department of Mycology, Federal University of Pernambuco - 30 samples belonging to the genera Candida, Rhodotorula, Trichosporon, andKloeckera, were studied regarding their pathogenic characteristics, ability to grow at room temperature (28°C ± 1°C), 37°C, and 42°C for 72 hours, and production of both phospholipase and proteinase. Results showed that all 30 isolates (100%) were able to grow at room temperature and 37°C, and that 17 samples (57%) were able to grow at 42°C. Evaluation of enzymatic activity showed protease activity in only two isolates (7%), namely C. maritima andC. obtusa. Phospholipase activity was detected in 20 isolates (67%) using soy lecithin as substrate at different temperatures. The characterization of yeasts isolated from vaginal secretion and determination of their enzymatic activity may contribute to understanding the epidemiology of vulvovaginitis and assist in the treatment of patients.

Key words: pathogenicity, yeasts, enzymes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are grateful to The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Micoteca URM604 (URM Mycology Collection - Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil) and Prof. Lusinete Aciole de Queiroz (in memoriam).

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2011

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: April 18, 2011.

Accepted: July 11, 2011.

Abstract published online: July 13, 2011.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2011.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There is no conflict.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) provided the financial grants.

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

The present study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee of the Health Science Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, under the protocol number 304/2003-CEP/CCS.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

BRUNO SEVERO GOMES, Av. Engenheiro Domingos Ferreira, 4403, ap. 702, Boa Viagem, Recife, PE, 51020-040, Brasil. Phone: +55 81 2126 8948. Email: bseverogomes@gmail.com.