On the role of proteinases from Candida albicans in the pathogenesis of acronecrosis.

Evidence is presented for the involvement of proteinases from Candida albicans in the pathogenesis of acronecrosis that occurred in a young woman and which coincided with Candida sepsis. Secretory acid Candida proteinase by immunofluorescence was traced in the obstructed blood vessels of necrotic skin that was infested with yeast. The specificity of immunofluorescence was proven by exclusion of cross reactivity with pepsin, cathepsin-D, acid erythrocyte proteinase and porcine renin. The possible molecular mechanisms of interference of fungal proteinases are discussed with respect to the renin-angiotensin system and blood coagulation.