Activity and toxicity of farnesol towards Candida albicans are dependent on growth conditions.

Farnesol interacts with Candida albicans as both a quorum-sensing molecule and toxic agent, but confusion abounds regarding which conditions promote these distinct responses. Farnesol sensitivity was measured when inoculum cell history and size, temperature, and growth media were altered. Parameters for farnesol tolerance/sensitivity were defined, validating previous studies and identifying new variables, such as energy availability. This study clearly defines what farnesol concentrations are lethal to C. albicans, based on environmental conditions.