Candida albicans dimorphism and virulence: role of copper.

Previously reported observations that Candida albicans grows in the yeast phase at 30C and the mycelial phase at 37 degrees C and that the former phase is more virulent than the latter were confirmed. A novel factor, copper, was discovered to suppress filamentation. Injection of copper into mice permitted the filamentous phase to be as virulent as the yeast phase. In subsequent studies on candidosis, copper assays should be performed on relevant body fluids to determine if there might be a correlation between elevated copper and heightened susceptibility to the fungus.