Investigation of some virulence factors of trichosporon species

Trichosporon species are widely distributed in nature (soil, water and vegetation). They are members of human normal flora located in skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract. The importance of Trichosporon species are increasing with the increase of susceptible groups such as immuncompromised patients, undergoing cytotoxic chemotheraph for organ transplantation or bone marrow transplatation. Fungal virulence factors were investigated for the pathogenesis of trichosporonosis. A total number of 40 Trichosporon strains including 20 isolated belong to culture collections of Gazi University school of Medicine, department of Mycology and 20 strains obtained from Dr. Takashi Sugita. The distribution of Trichosporon species; 60% (24) Trichosporon asahii, 15% (6) Trichosporon inkin, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon aquatile, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon asteroides, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon coremiiforme, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon cutaneum 2,5% (1) Trichosporon dermatis, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon faecale, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon japonicum, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon montevideense, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon mucoides, 2,5% (1) Trichosporon ovoides. None of the strains presented secretory acid proteinase and phospholipase enzyme activity. However esterase enzyme activity were found in all of the strains. Hemolytic activity were found in 15 strains of 40 strains (37,5 %). Therese no difference between T.asahii and non asahii strains in terms of hemolytic activity. Coagulase enzyme activity were found in two strains when human plasma as used, while it was found positive in 11 strains when rabbit plasma was used. Esterase and coagulase production and hemolytic activity were considered had a role in the pathogenesis of trichosporonosis. Key words: Trichosporon, virulense factors, pathogenesis