Virulence Factors of Yeasts Isolated From Oral Lesions

Objectives: To detect the virulence factors of yeasts which are proteinase and phospholipase which have important role in the pathogenesis of oral lesions. Patients and methods: This study included 120 children manifested with oral lesions admitted to the Consultating Clinic and Medical Wards of Ibn Sina and Ibn Al Ather Teaching Hospitals in addition to Neonatal Care Unit of Al Battol Teaching Hospital. Samples collected during the period from December 2012 May 2013. Control group was 60 apparently healthy children from whom oral swabs 'were obtained. Identification' of' the isolated yeasts were conceded by "direct examination, culture, biochemical tests and API 20 C system, then detection of' protienase and phospholipase of yeasts isolated from oral lesions". Results: Candida albicans isolates have a high expression rate for the production of proteinase (95.3%) and phospholipase(97.1%) in comparison to the other candida and yeast species with a significant difference (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The isolates produce two important virulence factors namely proteinase and phospholipase significantly more in Candida albicans than other yeasts.