Enzymatic Lysis of Living Candida Cells in the Presence of Chemical Agents and Antibiotics

Abstract

The enzyme preparation from Streptomyces No. 8 displayed β-1-3-glucanase, chitinase and protease activities, and attacked heat-treated cells of Candida albicans. The preparation, however, attacked native cells of the same strain and other Candida strains when supplemented with appropriate concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate or variotin. Neither of the agents attacked native cells when used alone. Usefulness of the combinational use of cell wall lytic enzymes and antibiotics for therapeutic or preventative purpose is discussed.