Scholarship 24/18634-0 - Candida parapsilosis, Resistência - BV FAPESP
Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand

Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Virulence and Escape Mechanisms of Candida parapsilosis in Four Hospital Outbreaks in Brazil

Grant number: 24/18634-0
Support Opportunities:Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
Start date until: December 01, 2024
End date until: November 30, 2026
Field of knowledge:Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
Principal Investigator:Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
Grantee:Iara Bastos de Andrade
Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
Associated research grant:21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project), AP.CEPID

Abstract

C. parapsilosis is a leading cause of invasive candidiasis, particularly in Latin America, Southern Europe, and Asia, with an increasing prevalence of strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins. The study seeks to clarify the controversial relationship between antifungal resistance and virulence, as previous research has shown conflicting results among different Candida species. Sixty bloodstream isolates of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis, collected from hospitals in Brasília, São Paulo (Hospital Brigadeiro and Hospital São Paulo), and Salvador, will be examined. A series of assays will be conducted to evaluate escape mechanisms, enzyme production, phenotypic and genotypic adaptations, adhesion properties, and responses to environmental stress. The macrophage assay will assess how the isolates evade immune responses, while enzyme production will focus on virulence-associated factors like hemolysin, phospholipase, lipase, and proteinase. Growth curve analyzes will explore the isolates' adaptation to alternative carbon sources, such as lactate and N-acetylglucosamine, both of which are abundant in the human body, and phenotypic changes will be observed through microscopy, with genotypic shifts tracked via metabolite profiling. Adhesion will be evaluated by examining cell surface adhesins and hydrophobicity, crucial factors in biofilm formation, which contribute to the persistence of infections in clinical settings. Stress responses to factors such as osmotic pressure, temperature, and oxidative stress will be tested using a spot assay on Sabouraud agar. Additionally, in vivo virulence will be studied using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. This study is significant due to the rising threat posed by antifungal-resistant C. parapsilosis in healthcare environments. By characterizing the phenotypic and genetic traits that contribute to virulence and resistance, the research aims to provide critical insights that could lead to more effective treatment strategies and improved management of hospital-associated outbreaks of candidemia.

News published in Agência FAPESP Newsletter about the scholarship:
More itemsLess items
Articles published in other media outlets ( ):
More itemsLess items
VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)
VEICULO: TITULO (DATA)

Please report errors in scientific publications list using this form.