Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via catheters increases the risk for candidemia from Candida parapsilosis.
METHODS:
C. parapsilosis sensu stricto blood isolates were evaluated for ability total biomass biofilm formation and morphogenesis in presence of glucose at TPN equivalent concentrations.
RESULTS:
Biofilms were increased at high glucose concentrations (25-30%) compared to the control medium. Significant increase in filamentous forms was observed in cultures with 30% glucose.
CONCLUSIONS:
Biofilm formation by C. parapsilosis sensu stricto in hyperglycidic medium may contribute to its pathogenic potential for fungemia related to TPN catheters.
Keywords:
Candida parapsilosis; Biofilm; Glucose; TPN