The formation of hyphae of Candida albicans induced by cyclodextrins

Hyphal growth of Candida albicans was observed when yeast was cultured at 27 degrees C in liquid media containing 1% Tripcasine and 1.8% cyclodextrins (alpha, beta, and gamma respectively). Tripcasine as the sole nitrogen source did not induce the formation of hyphae of C. albicans, but cyclodextrins, especially CD-beta, were able to induce yeast-mycelial transition. In the TCD-beta media 25-30% septate hyphae form was observed. This study indicates the existence of an uptake system for CDs in C. albicans, provided these compounds are linearised in the medium. The CDs are inducers of hyphae and they may enter the C. albicans cells as linear oligosaccharids.