Figure 1.

C. albicans copper-only SOD5 is essential for fungal survival in a rat intravenous catheter biofilm model. A and B, SC5314 (WT) or the isogenic sod5Δ/Δ strain were tested for biofilm formation in a rat intravenous catheter model as described under “Experimental Procedures.” Shown are scanning EM images taken at 250× and 1000× (WT) and at 150× and 1000× (sod5Δ/Δ) magnification. Results are representative of two independent experiments. C, biofilms from WT and the sod5Δ/Δ mutant were grown in vitro for 24 h, and biofilm mass was assessed by XTT reduction. Representative data are shown from the average of three samples from two experimental trials. Error bars, S.D. D, 24 h in vitro biofilms from WT and sod5Δ/Δ were tested for neutrophil killing as described under “Experimental procedures.” Results represent the average of nine samples over three experimental trials. Error bars, S.D. An unpaired t test was used to determine statistical significance. ***, p < 0.0009.