Extracellular vesicles of Candida albicans show dual effects on Enterococcus faecalis growth and virulence: A laboratory-based investigation

Abstract

Aim: Previous studies have shown the important relationships between Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in post-treatment endodontic disease (PTED). However, the fungal–bacterial interactions and their possible functional routes are less understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from C. albicans on E. faecalis growth and pathogenicity. Methodology: Candida albicans EVs were isolated from a yeast nitrogen base (YNB) medium, and their morphology, size distribution, and protein concentration were observed and identified. The effects of EVs on planktonic E. faecalis were evaluated using growth curves and colony-forming unit counts, whereas the effects on E. faecalis biofilms were determined using scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopes. The ability of E. faecalis to resist a detrimental environment, infect dentinal tubules, and biofilm formation on gutta percha was examined. Additionally, the effect of EVs on cell invasion and cytotoxicity of E. faecalis were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance, and p-values of