ABSTRACT
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the antifungal effect of ß-lapachone (ß-lap) on azole-resistant strains of Candida spp. in both planktonic and biofilm form. Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of ß-lap was evaluated by broth microdilution, flow cytometry and the comet assay. The cell viability of the biofilms was assessed using the MTT assay. Results: ß-lap showed antifungal activity against resistant strains of Candida spp. in planktonic form. In addition, ß-lap decreased the viability of mature biofilms and inhibited the formation of biofilms in vitro. Conclusion: ß-lap showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., suggesting that the compound can be utilized as an adjunct agent in the treatment of candidiasis.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Azoles/pharmacology , Biofilms/drug effects , Candida/drug effects , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Naphthoquinones/pharmacology , Candida/physiology , Candidiasis/drug therapy , Candidiasis/microbiology , Humans , Microbial Sensitivity TestsABSTRACT
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of etomidate alone and in combination with azoles on resistant strains of Candida spp. in both planktonic cells and biofilms. Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of etomidate was assessed by the broth microdilution test; flow cytometric procedures to measure fungal viability, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, free radical generation and cell death; as well detection of DNA damage using the comet assay. The interaction between etomidate and antifungal drugs (itraconazole and fluconazole) was evaluated by the checkerboard assay. Results: Etomidate showed antifungal activity against resistant strains of Candida spp. in planktonic cells and biofilms. Etomidate also presented synergism with fluconazole and itraconazole in planktonic cells and biofilms. Conclusion: Etomidate showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., indicating that it is a possible therapeutic alternative.
