Methods of Determination of Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans

Abstract

Background: Candida albicans is a pathogenic member of the human oral and gastrointestinal microbiota. Biofilms of C. albicans form on indwelling devices, such as catheters and heart valves and recent evidence suggests that biofilms also form on the mucosal surfaces of the mouth and vagina. Biofilm infections of prosthetic devices are untreatable by antifungals and infections of the mucosa are frequently difficult to treat and recurrent. Materials and Methods: The patients (18 men and 32 women) suffering from various diseases were considered for the present study. Samples were collected and the Candida species were isolated using Hi Chrome Candida differential agar, sugar assimilation studies were done. Further biofilm formation was detected by tube method, congo red agar method and germ tube test. Results: Candida species vary in their distribution based on the age and gender of the patients suffering with various diseases. Biofilm production was maximum by C. tropicalis (36%) followed by C. albicans (20%). Conclusion: The ability of Candida species to form drug resistant biofilms is an important factor in their contribution to human disease. Biofilms represent a niche for microorganisms where they are protected from both the host immune system and antimicrobial therapies. Biofilm growth serves as an increasing source of clinical infections.