Sperm immobilization factor of Candida albicans: A proposed mechanism of infertility in female mice

Candida species are the most frequently isolated fungi, responsible for blood stream and urinary tract infections. Various studies have shown Candida albicans to be associated with impediment of sperm parameters. Therefore to determine the underlying mechanism, the standard strain of Candida albicans (MTCC 1637) was employed and it was found to cause complete immobilization of mouse spermatozoa in vitro. Further, sperm immobilization activity was shown by only cell-free supernatant, indicating that the sperm immobilization factor might be released extracellularly, as no activity was observed with the washed cells. The sperm immobilization factor (SIF) from supernatant was precipitated out with ammonium sulphate at the saturation of 60% to 80% and was purified by gel permeation chromatography followed by ion exchange chromatography.