IN-SITU MYCOTOXIN PRODUCTION BY CANDIDA-ALBICANS IN WOMEN WITH VAGINITIS

The virulence attributes of Candida albicans in cases of mucocutaneous disease have not. been identified. Based on the recent finding that C . albicans is able to produce an immunosuppressive mycotoxin, gliotoxi n, we analyzed vaginal samples of 3 women severely symptomatic for vag inal candidiasis and found that they contained significant levels of g liotoxin. Three control women who were not colonized with C. albicans showed no gliotoxin in vaginal samples. These findings raise the possi bility that gliotoxin may play a role in the virulence of C. albicans.