[Dimorphism of Candida albicans in the model of continuous flow culture].

We investigated the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans in a continuous flow culture with regard to particular growth conditions. Germ counts of only 10(7) cfu/ml were obtained in a steady state of an anaerobic culture. In a parallel experiment with aerobic conditions excessive growth occurred and the invasive forms of Candida, i.e. germ tubes and pseudomycelium, also developed. Neither by different carbohydrates and concentration of nutrients in the culture medium nor by changing the flow rate the growth of Candida could be influenced. Excessive overgrowth was triggered by a sufficient oxygen supply.