Structural alterations in Candida albicans by caffeine and caffeine salts

Cytological alterations of Candida albicans following exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of caffeine and caffeine salts were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect was different from that induced by ketoconazole. Caffeine and especially caffeine salts caused an increase in unusual modes of proliferation with signs of multiple budding in Candida albicans. Structurally, such yeast cells present some resemblance to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.