Abstract
Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that can grow in yeast morphology or hyphal form depending on the surrounding environment. This ubiquitous fungus is present in skin and mucus membranes as a potential pathogen that under opportunistic conditions causes a series of systemic and superficial infections known as candidiasis, moniliasis or simply candidiasis. There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of candidiasis that is expressed in more virulent forms of infection. Although candidiasis is commonly manifested as mucocutaneous disease, life-threatening systemic invasion by this fungus can occur in every part of the body. The severity of candidal infections is associated with its morphological shift such that the hyphal morphology of the fungus is most invasive. Of importance, aberrant multiplication of Candida yeast is also associated with the pathogenesis of certain mucosal diseases. In this study, we assessed the anti-candidal activity of the volatile anesthetic isoflurane in liquid form in comparison with the anti-fungal agent amphotericin B in an in vitro culture system. Exposure of C. albicans to isoflurane (0.3% volume/volume and above) inhibited multiplication of yeast as well as formation of hyphae. These data suggest development of potential topical application of isoflurane for controlling a series of cutaneous and genital infections associated with this fungus. Elucidiation of the mechanism by which isoflurane effects fungal growth could offer therapeutic potential for certain systemic fungal infections.
Highlights
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen mainly causing infections among immunocompromised individuals [1]
Effects of liquid isoflurane on the metabolic activity of C. albicans In our pilot studies we evaluated the effects of clinically relevant concentrations of gaseous isoflurane on C. albicans morphogenesis and observed an inhibitory effect on the formation of true hyphae from the yeast form of this fungus
Encouraged by our initial observations we further analyzed the effects of various concentrations of liquid isoflurane on the morphogenesis and growth of C. albicans
Summary
Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen mainly causing infections among immunocompromised individuals [1]. Usage of the gaseous form of isoflurane to treat systemic infections may not be feasible due to its anesthetic actions as well as adverse cardiovascular effects at high concentrations, possibilities exist for manipulation of the antimicrobial potentials of isoflurane. This is the first report revealing liquid isoflurane-mediated control of C. albicans growth and morphogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that there may be an opportunity to develop topical microbicides based on creative formulations that modulate the release of isoflurane. This strategy may provide a means for controlling Candida and related superficial infections that affect millions of immunocompromised and healthy individuals worldwide
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