A re-evaluation of the effect of cysteine or Candida albicans.

The effect of cysteine on Candida albicans has been re-examined. Concentrations between 0-1 and 10-0 mM were tested on 12 isolates in yeast and hyphal form. The growth of both forms was inhibited by 10 mM cysteine. Though the rate of hyphal elongation was decreased there was no suppression of initiation of hyphal formation. All isolates showed a random variation in their general inhibitory response to cysteine. We found no support for the concept of cysteine-mediated from determination in rapidly growing C. albicans in submerged culture. High concentrations of cystiene cause a general inhibition of growth of C. albicans.