Utility of microcalorimetry in describing the growth curve of C. albicans at different temperatures – indentifying the optimal growth temperature

Abstract In comparison with other medical specialties, Orthopedics and Traumatology are continuously impressively developing, intrinsically connected to technological evolution. More than in other fields, in Orthopedics and Traumatology, the technological progress becomes obvious also by the frequent use of implants or osteosynthesis materials. By performing a simple search in the specialty literature, an exponential growth of arthroplasty surgeries in correlation with the life span of the population and implying a need that presupposes the increase of the quality of life, also by maintaining or improving mobility at a satisfying level, can be observed. At the same time, due to the increase in the number of traffic and sports accidents, the use of artificial joints and implants for osteosynthesis will constantly rise. The prostheses and the osteosynthesis materials used for the treatment of degenerative, traumatic or even esthetic pathologies are made of materials with a good biocompatibility. Candida albicans is an optional anaerobic microorganism so the experiments performed with different volumes of environment were most likely influenced by the amount of oxygen, nutrient. In the described research, we demonstrated that, using microcalorimetry, it is possible to identify this fungus in half the time required for classical microbiological identification. In addition, as our team has shown, there is the possibility of real-time antifungigram by using microcalorimetry.