[Utilization of enzymatic activity in strains of Candida isolated from the vagina for typing and evaluation of pathogenicity].

The study involved 255 strains of Candida isolated from vaginal secretions (194 with symptomatic mycosis and 61 from asymptomatic cases). Most frequently isolated species were Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. Determination of lipolytic properties at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C and proteolytic abilities against albumin and casein permitted for differentiation of strains belonging to Candida albicans and remaining strains of other Candida species. This resulted also in determination of biotypes. Strains of Candida albicans belonged mainly to biotype I, while strains of Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis to biotype IX. Worth attention are results regarding symptomic candidiasis of vagina and enzymatic properties of Candida albicans. Among 145 strains of Candida albicans isolated from cases of symptomatic vaginal mycosis 67 (46.2%) exhibited both lipolytic (at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C) and proteolytic activities against albumin and casein. At the same time, in asymptomatic mycosis only 14 (33.3%) strains of Candida albicans exhibited same properties.