Phospholipid profiles in the oral yeastCandida

Individual molecular species of phospholipids can now be readily detected using fast atom-bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB MS). The aim was to obtain detailed information on individual molecular species ofCandida phospholipids using FAB MS. Lipids were extracted fromCandida isolates and prepared for FAB MS analysis in negative-ion mode. Each isolate yielded several hundred anion peaks. The major anion peaks consistent with the presence of phospholipids included those of mass/charge (m/z) 836, 743, 715, 744 and 834 tentatively identified as phosphatidylethanolaminePE(43:5), phosphatidylglycerolPG(34:3), PG(32:3), PE(36:1) and PE(43:5). Major peaks consistent with the presence of car☐ylate anions were of m/z 241, 253, 255, 277, 279, 281, 283, and 307 putatively identified asC15:0, C16:1, C16:0, C18:3, C18:2, C18:1, C18:0 andC20:2 which also support the putative identifications of phospholipids. Such phospholipid profiles differ from those published for other microorganisms analysed by FAB MS. Quantitative differences were observed between different candidal species.Candida albicans may be readily differentiated fromC. glabrata on the basis of its car☐ylate anions. Within species, there are quantitative differences in phospholipid profiles. Thus,Candida has a unique combination of phospholipid analogues with potential chemosystematic significance.