Office of Research

Compliance

PATHOGEN SAFETY DATA SHEET

Candida albicans

CHARACTERISTICS CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS

Fungus belonging to the Candiaceae family. For all procedures involving known or potentially
Polymorphic fungus as it can occur as yeast or BSL2 infected cultures.
Morphology pseudohyphal forms.
ABSL2 For all procedures utilizing infected animals
Growth Conditions YM agar or broth

SPILL PROCEDURES
HEALTH HAZARDS Notify others working in the lab. Remove and don
Host Range Humans new PPE. Cover area of the spill with absorbent
Modes of Most infections result from the patient’s own flora, material and add 10 % Bleach. Allow 30 minutes
Transmission rather than from cross infection. hour of contact time. After 30 minutes and then
Signs and Most frequent clinical form is thrush/oral candidiasis Small cleanup and dispose of materials.
Symptoms and is characterized by white patches.
For assistance, contact MSU's Biosafety Officer (406-
994-6998) or Safety and Risk Management (406-994-
Infectious Dose Unknown.
Large 2711).
Incubation Period Unknown.

MEDICAL PRECAUTIONS/TREATMENT EXPOSURE PROCEDURES

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 5 minutes at eyewash
Prophylaxis None Mucous membrane station.
Vaccines None Other Exposures Wash area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Amphotericin B, nystatin, flucytosine, the azoles, Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete
Treatment echinocandins a first report of injury report, and submit to Safety
Surveillance Monitor for symptoms. Reporting and Risk Management.
MSU Requirements Report any exposures. During business hours:
Montana Occupational Health
2075 Charlotte St. Suite 3
LABORATORY HAZARDS Bozeman, MT
After business hours:
Low risk of infection. A medical student has been
Bozeman Deaconess Hospital
Laboratory reported to have developed a rash and folliculitis 2
Emergency Room
Acquired Infections days after she spilled a heavy suspension of C. albicans
915 Highland Blvd
(LAIs) on her leg while conducting a laboratory experiment.
Medical Follow-up Bozeman, MT
Epithelial scrapings or exudates from lesions, sputum,
Sources bronchoalveolar lavage, and blood.

VIABILITY
SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES Susceptible to 10 % Bleach, 70 % ethanol, and 4 %
Disinfection potassium iodide
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-
Canadian MSDS: ftss/index-eng.php Inactivation Inactivated by dry heat (1 hour at 160-170oC).
http://www.cdc.gov/biosafety/publications/bmbl5/BM Can survive on inanimate surfaces for 24 hours to
BMBL:5th Edition BL.pdf Survival Outside Host 120 days, and on palms for about 45 minutes.
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

At minimum, gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat,
and appropriate face and eye protection prior to
Minimum PPE working with C. albicans. Additional PPE may be
Requirements required depending on lab specific SOPs.
Additional
Precautions None