Metabolic Profiling of Candida auris, a Newly-Emerging Multi-Drug Resistant Candida Species, by GC-MS

• Main Authors: Mohammad H. Semreen, Sameh S. M. Soliman, Balsam Q. Saeed, Abdullah Alqarihi, Priya Uppuluri, Ashraf S. Ibrahim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-01-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: Candida auris; metabolic profiling; GC-MS; morphogenesis; hyphae; yeast
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/3/399

<i>Candida </i><i>auris</i>, a newly-emerging <i>Candida</i> species, is a serious global health threat due to its multi-drug resistant pattern, difficulty to diagnose, and the high mortality associated with its invasive and bloodstream infections. Unlike <i>C. albicans, </i>and <i>C. </i><i>dubliniensis</i><i> </i>which can form true hyphae, <i>C. </i><i>auris</i><i> </i>grows as yeast or pseudohyphae and is capable of developing biofilms. The reasons for the inability of <i>C. </i><i>auris</i><i> </i>to form true hyphae are currently unknown. Metabolites secreted by microorganisms, including <i>Candida</i>, are known as important factors in controlling morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Metabolic profiling of <i>C. </i><i>auris</i> and <i>C. albicans</i> cultures was performed using gas chromatography&#8315;mass spectrometry (GC&#8315;MS). Compared to <i>C. albicans</i>, <i>C. </i><i>auris</i> secreted several hyphae-inhibiting metabolites, including phenylethyl, benzyl and isoamyl alcohols. Furthermore, a biofilm-forming metabolite&#8212;tyrosol&#8212;was identified. On the other hand, several other biomarkers identified from <i>C. </i><i>auris</i> but not from <i>C. albicans</i> cultures may be produced by the organism to overcome the host immune system or control fungal adaptations, and hence ease its invasion and infections. The results from this study are considered as the first identification of <i>C. </i><i>auris</i> metabolic activities as a step forward to understand its virulence mechanisms.