Some factors affecting the transformation of the yeast-like to the mycelial-like forms of Candida albicans.

ABSTRACT

Various carbohydrates tried as inducing agents for mycelia formation in Candida albicans in liquid medium have revealed that mycelia formation was very pronounced in the presence of any of the sugars like xylose, galactose, lactose and trehalose. Glucose and fructose favoured lavish yeast growth. Arabinose supported neither yeast nor mycelia growth to any appreciable extent. In a growth medium containing a mixture of glucose and galactose, a glucose concentration of 0.7% (w/v) and above was required to maintain the fungus completely in the yeast form. The possible reason as to why sufficient glucose maintained the yeast form while galactose favoured the mycelial form was discussed.