Interactions of Candida albicans Yeast Cells, Germ Tubes and Hyphae with Human Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes in vitro

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Abstract
Suspensions of C. albicans yeast cells, germ tubes and hyphae with biomass standardized by ATP measurement were compared for their relative susceptibilities to phagocytosis and intracellular killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. All 3 forms were ingested to a similar extent; significantly fewer yeast cells were killed intracellularly after ingestion than were filamentous forms of the fugus. Ketoconazole pretreatment significantly enhanced the susceptibility of hyphae, but not of germ tubules, to phagocytosis and intracellular killing. The opsonic requirements of the yeasts and filamentous forms for efficient phagocytosis and killing differed.