Evaluation of Hydrolytic Enzyme Activity and Determination of SAP5 and PLB1 Genes in Candida Isolates of Vaginal Infection

Background: Volvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection in women. The production of extracellular enzymes act as virulence factors in the pathogenesis of Candida species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of phospholipase, proteinase and to investigate the distribution pattern of Sap5 and PLB1 genes in Candida isolates isolated from women with VVC. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 135 vaginal swabs of women with suspected VVC. Candida species were identified by PCR-RFLP and the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and frequency analysis of SAP5 and PLB1 genes were evaluated. Findings: The results showed that C. albicans has the highest frequency (67%). In total, 80% of the studied isolates have proteolytic activity and 73% have phospholipase activity. Furthermore, the frequencies of PLB1 and SAP5 genes among Candida species were reported 95.7% and 91.4%, respectively. Simultaneous presence of SAP5 and PLB1 genes was observed in 87% of the isolates. Conclusion: The results of present study showed the importance of molecular epidemiological studies and understanding the role of virulence factors associated with extracellular enzymes in the pathogenesis of Candida strains