Cell Surface Hydrophobicity as a Virulence Factor in Candida albicans

ABSTRACT: Cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is one of the important virulence attributes which helps Candida albicans to be a successful fungal pathogen. It influences several steps in pathogenesis of C. albicans leading to establishment of infection. CSH plays an important role in adhesion of cells to host tissues and catheters/medical devices implanted in patients. Adhesion to surfaces and subsequent biofilm formation are crucial because it may result in resistance to antifungal drugs. This important pathogenicity determinant would also be an attractive antifungal target. Various studies indicate that antifungal drugs tend to lower the CSH of Candida cells. Interestingly, molecules of plant origin have been reported to modulate CSH, reduce adhesion and interfere in biofilm formation by C. albicans. The review presents a brief account of biochemical basis of CSH, its role in adhesion and biofilm formation by C. albicans as well as explores it as an antifungal drug target.