The effect of selected steroids on the growth, morphology, and sterol contents of Candida albicans

The effect of three selected steroids—decadron, alphadolone acetate and cholic acid salt—on the growth, morphology and sterol content of the yeast and mycelial form of Candida albicans was studied. The effect on growth was measured by dry weight, turbidity and viable count. It was observed that the three steroids promoted the growth of C. albicans. The morphology studies showed two different types of cells: (1) cells which were able to adapt to growth in the presence of exogenous steroids; and (2) cells which were unable to so adapt. Adapted yeast cells were longer and more elongated with a smooth surface. These cells were observed to grow very well and to be involved in cell division especially at high steroid concentrations. The internal structures of these adapted cells were well preserved with distinct intracytoplasmatic structures. [Continues.]