Evaluation of phospholipase activity of Candida albicans and its correlation with pathogenicity in mice.

Sixty-one isolates of Candida albicans were tested for their phospholipase activity and this parameter was correlated with pathogenicity in albino mice. Of the isolates tested, 57 (93%) showed appreciable phospholipase activity and of these, 55 (90%) were pathogenic to mice. A significant correlation was found between phospholipase activity and involvement of kidneys in animal pathogenicity studies. The isolates of C. albicans, that exhibited higher phospholipase activity were found to be pathogenic for mice.