Measurement of Proteinase Enzyme Produced in Candida Species Isolated from Oral Candidiasis in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy at the Hospitals of Tonekabon and Ramsar, Iran

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by various Candida species. Theproduction of extracellular enzymes, like proteinase, as a pathogenic factor plays a significant role inyeast adherence andpenetration to the host. Regarding this, the present study was conducted toevaluate the production of proteinase enzyme in cancer patients with oral candidiasis. A total of 20 oral swab specimens were collected from cancerous and noncancerous patients with oral candidiasis referring to the Oncology Center of Ramsar and Tonekabonhospitals, Iran, in 2014-2015. The samples obtained from the cancerous and non-cancerous patientswere assigned into the case and control groups, respectively. These specimens were cultured inSabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol. The yeast isolates were identified by means ofphenotypic method. The evaluation of proteinase enzyme activity was accomplished on a specificmedium. The diameter of the halo formed around each colony was also measured to determine therate of enzyme production. Out of the 20 samples, 19 (95%) and 6 (30%) Candida species were isolated from the caseand controlgroups, respectively. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata had the prevalence of 16(84%) and 3 (16%), respectively. In the control group, all isolated yeasts were identified as Candidaalbicans. The mean diameter of the halo around the yeast cells producing proteinase enzyme incancer patients with oral candidiasis was 2.21 mm in comparison to the non-cancerous group. Proteinase enzyme production as an important virulence factor leading to oralcandidiasis was significantly higher in the cancer patients than that in the non -cancer ones