Cryptococcus neoformans Virulence Attributes can be Modulated by Sound Stress

Abstract

Sound waves are a prime component making up the environment, and they are present in almost all niches on the planet. In times of increasing noise pollution, the effect of sound stress on humans, animals, and microorganisms is well known. However, the possibility of this kind of pressure in the environment, affecting pathogenic fungi, which live in the background as saprophytes, has not been explored. Fungi can develop attributes and become virulent due to adaptation to selective pressure or stress. In this context, our group has become interested in evaluating the impact of sound stress on the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, a pathogen that has high phenotypic plasticity. C. neoformans strain H99 was chosen for all assays. The yeasts were cultivated at 30°C, exposed or not to the frequency of 8 kHz. We observed morphological changes in these cells, such as the expression of phenotype virulence attributes: capsule expansion and melanin production. We also analyzed the number of viable cells after exposure, and we observed the yeast’s susceptibility to antifungals. After the treatment with 8 kHz, the cells showed a significant increase in the capsule expansion, an acceleration of the melanin production, and a slight reduction in the number of viable cells. Finally, tests performed with the antifungals showed a decrease in inhibition halo on the plate test. Our results are innovative and suggest that stress caused by sound could incite increased virulence in this fungus.