Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus with oropharyngeal candidiasis at HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda

This study evaluated phospholipase, proteinase, hemolysin, esterase, and coagulase enzymatic activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) with oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Thirty-five Candida isolates from PLHIV with OPC were evaluated for various enzymatic activities using standard laboratory methods. Results showed that phospholipase and proteinase activities were detected in 94.3% and 88.6% of Candida isolates, respectively, demonstrating the pathogenic potential of these opportunistic fungi in immunocompromised individuals.