Experimental candidiasis in mice: evaluation of the histopathology and the effect of cysteine on the virulence of candida albicans

Abstract

Normal strains of Candida albicans reproduce by budding when conditions are favorable for growth. In animal tissues a rapid morphological chance takes place budding cells fail to detach and pseudouyphae develop. The addition of cysteine to the normal growth medium of a genetically blocked, filamentous strain of Candida albicans results in a suppresion of the filamentous phase and an increased number of budding yeast forms. Filamentous variants of Candida albicans have not demonstrated appreciable virulence in experimental infections, but tLere is evidence that induced yeast growth under the influence of cysteine accompanies an increase in virulence.