Abstract

PurposeThe biofilm formation of Candida albicans is an important virulence factor as it can increase tolerance to conventional antifungal drugs and the host immune system. The study aimed to assess the effect of essential fatty acids (EFAs) against biofilm formation and mature biofilms of C. albicans strains, which were isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis and candidemia.MethodsThe biofilm formation ability of C. albicans and antifungal activities of fluconazole were determined. Additionally, the effects of six EFAs [α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), linoleic acid (LOA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA), and arachidonic acid (AA)] against C. albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions were evaluated.Results94.1% of C. albicans exhibited biofilm formation capacity, and 98.5% of C. albicans were susceptible to fluconazole. The biofilms of C. albicans were highly resistant to fluconazole with minimum biofilm eradication concentration values ≥ 64 µg/mL. The EFAs attenuated biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, and GLA displayed a remarkable inhibitory activity against biofilm formation of C. albicans. In addition, EPA, DHA, and GLA at 0.1 mM could inhibit the biofilm formation of C. albicans without affecting the planktonic growth rate. Notably, EPA and AA at 1 mM had both inhibitory and eradication activities on C. albicans biofilms.ConclusionThis is the first study to directly compare different EFAs for their capacity to affect C. albicans biofilm formation as well as biofilm eradication. These results suggest EPA and AA could serve as potential new antifungal agents for the treatment of clinical infections caused by C. albicans biofilms.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.