Pathogenicity Levels of Colombian Strains of <i>Candida auris</i> and Brazilian Strains of <i>Candida haemulonii</i> Species Complex in Both Murine and <i>Galleria mellonella</i> Experimental Models

• Main Authors: Julián E. Muñoz, Laura M. Ramirez, Lucas dos Santos Dias, Laura A. Rivas, Lívia S. Ramos, André L. S. Santos, Carlos P. Taborda, Claudia M. Parra-Giraldo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Journal of Fungi
• Subjects: <i>Candida auris</i>; <i>Candida haemulonii</i> species complex; virulence; candidiasis; biofilm; <i>Galleria mellonella</i>
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/6/3/104

<i>Candida auris</i> and <i>Candida haemulonii</i> complex (<i>C. haemulonii, C. haemulonii</i> var. <i>vulnera</i> and <i>C. duobushaemulonii</i>) are phylogenetically related species that share some physiological features and habits. In the present study, we compared the virulence of these yeast species using two different experimental models: (i) <i>Galleria mellonella</i> larvae to evaluate the survival rate, fungal burden, histopathology and phagocytosis index and (ii) BALB/c mice to evaluate the survival. In addition, the fungal capacity to form biofilm over an inert surface was analyzed. Our results showed that in both experimental models, the animal survival rate was lower when infected with <i>C. auris</i> strains than the <i>C. haemulonii</i> species complex. The hemocytes of <i>G. mellonella</i> showed a significantly reduced ability to phagocytize the most virulent strains forming the <i>C. haemulonii</i> species complex. Interestingly, for <i>C. auris</i>, it was impossible to measure the phagocytosis index due to a general lysis of the hemocytes. Moreover, it was observed a greater capability of biofilm formation by <i>C. auris</i> compared to <i>C. haemulonii</i> species complex. In conclusion, we observed that <i>C. auris</i> and <i>C.</i> <i>haemulonii</i> complex have different levels of pathogenicity in the experimental models employed in the present study.