In vitro ability of Fusarium keratoplasticum to form biofilms in venous catheter

Abstract

Fusarium keratoplasticum is a common specie in human infections and is responsible for many diseases affecting immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Fusarium keratoplasticum to form biofilm in venous catheters (VC), focusing on the development of maturation and dispersion over time (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h) and the evaluation amphotericin B (AB) susceptibility in planktonic cells and after 96 h of biofilm formation. F. keratoplasticum was able to form a biofilm in VC with maturation most likely between 48 and 72 h, according to colony count and total biomass results. The dispersion process supposedly occurred from 72 to 96 h, when we observed a decrease in the parameter's colony count, total biomass and mitochondrial metabolic activity. The planktonic cells of F. keratoplasticum were susceptible to AB, however, there was no inhibition of the F. keratoplasticum strain biofilm in any of the AB concentrations, with the growth of the fungus recovering after 48 h in contact with AB. Thus, our findings suggest that in addition to forming a biofilm on VC, F. keratoplasticum becomes AB-resistant, highlighting the concern of this fungus on medical devices.