Isolates Of Candida Albicans Research Articles

Characteristics of neonatal Sepsis at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia

AimTo identify the risk factors, laboratory profile, microbial profile, mortality and complications, mortality causing organisms and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of neonatal sepsis at a tertiary care hospital. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) database in King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All neonates born in KFMC with clinically diagnosed sepsis in the NICU were included in this study. ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 245 neonates with a culture-proven diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were included in this study and 298 episodes of sepsis were observed. Out of the 298 episodes, EOS occurred 33 (11.1%) times, and LOS occurred 265 (88.9%) times. For both neonates with EOS and LOS prematurity was the major neonatal risk factors for sepsis 16 (48.5%), 214 (80.8%); respectively. Multiparty and delivery by caesarean section were the top maternal risk factors of both EOS and LOS. Nneonates with LOS had high CRP, Total WBC count and thrombocytopenia compared to EOS neonates. Our results showed that in the EOS neonates, GBS was the most common pathogen followed by Escherichia Coli. In LOS neonates, the common organisms were Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mortality rate of neonatal sepsis is higher in EOS 5 (15.2%) from total EOS compared to LOS 24 (11.3%) from total LOS. All Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to Amikacin. Gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter were sensitive to amikacin and gentamycin. All Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to gentamycin. Among thirteen Candida albicans isolates, 85% were sensitive to fluconazole. ConclusionConcerted efforts are needed to determine the spectrum of risk factors and the clinical characteristics of EOS and LOS in order to implement appropriate treatment strategies as sepsis remains to be a serious danger to neonatal wellbeing. Moreover, our study emphasizes that use of aminoglycosides is much agreeable as compared to the broad spectrum antibiotics which are more rampantly used nowadays.

<I>In vitro</i>, acidic, non-proteinaceous antifungal activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from salad vegetables against human pathogenic <i>Candida albicans</i>

Background: The antagonistic abilities of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against clinical isolates of Candida albicans are not quite widely reported and such are even scarce in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated inhibitory potentials of LAB isolated from locally grown cabbage, cucumber and lettuce against four (4) clinical isolates of C. albicans . Methods: The cell free supernatants (CFS) generated from LAB culture filtrate was evaluated for anti-candida activity using agar well diffusion method, and the CFS-LAB pH was measured and neutralized using standard methods. The proteinaceous inhibitory metabolites were assayed for using sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) technique. The LAB strains used were previously isolated and identified by 16S rRNA partial sequencing and their data submitted to GenBank for accessioning. Results: The CFS of six (6) LAB strains showed varying degrees of anti-candida activity. Pediococcus pentosaceus BTA 51 from cucumber showed the widest inhibition zone of 14 mm while at neutral pH, it was 12 mm diameter. Weissella confusa BTA 20, BTA 40 isolated from cabbage and lettuce produced 10 mm and 12 mm zones of inhibition at acidic and neutral pH respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum BTA 07 from lettuce showed inhibition zone of 12 mm while L. fermentum BTA 47 and BTA 62 from cucumber showed zones of 14 mm each in acidic pH only. The SDS-PAGE did not detect any proteinaceous substances. Conclusion: In conclusion, LAB isolated from cabbage, cucumber and lettuce produced organic acids, non proteinaceous metabolites at neutral pH, exhibiting invitro inhibitory abilities against clinical isolates of C. albicans . Keywords: In vitro , Lactic acid bacteria, 16S rRNA, antifungal, SDS-PAGE, salad vegetables

Antifungal effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of Candida albicans from women suffering from vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candida sp. especially C. albicans is the main cause of candidiasis in women in reproductive ages. The prevalence of drug resistant C. albicans along with adverse effects of current treatments have encouraged the scientists to research on medicinal plant’s essential oils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of C. albicans, which were isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The anti-candidal effects of these commercial essential oils were screened against these clinical isolates (n=80) by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays. The means of inhibition zone diameters, MIC and MFCs were reported for each essential oil. Also, the capability of fungal strain for biofilm formation in comparison with C. albicans ATCC 10231 were determined. The anti-biofilm effects of essential oils against 11 biofilm producing strains of C. albicans were determined. The results showed C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils had the best anti-candidal effects, while the best biofilm killing effects was for L. angustifolia essential oil. C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils can be formulated for more evaluations in preclinical and clinical studies.

Twenty Years of the SENTRY Antifungal Surveillance Program: Results for Candida Species From 1997-2016.

BackgroundThe emergence of antifungal resistance threatens effective treatment of invasive fungal infection (IFI). Invasive candidiasis is the most common health care–associated IFI. We evaluated the activity of fluconazole (FLU) against 20 788 invasive isolates of Candida (37 species) collected from 135 medical centers in 39 countries (1997–2016). The activity of anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin (MCF) was evaluated against 15 308 isolates worldwide (2006–2016).MethodsSpecies identification was accomplished using phenotypic (1997–2001), genotypic, and proteomic methods (2006–2016). All isolates were tested using reference methods and clinical breakpoints published in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute documents.ResultsA decrease in the isolation of Candida albicans and an increase in the isolation of Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis were observed over time. Candida glabrata was the most common non–C. albicans species detected in all geographic regions except for Latin America, where C. parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis were more common. Six Candida auris isolates were detected: 1 each in 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015 and 2 in 2016; all were from nosocomial bloodstream infections and were FLU-resistant (R). The highest rates of FLU-R isolates were seen in C. glabrata from North America (NA; 10.6%) and in C. tropicalis from the Asia-Pacific region (9.2%). A steady increase in isolation of C. glabrata and resistance to FLU was detected over 20 years in the United States. Echinocandin-R (EC-R) ranged from 3.5% for C. glabrata to 0.1% for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. Resistance to MCF was highest among C. glabrata (2.8%) and C. tropicalis (1.3%) from NA. Mutations on FKS hot spot (HS) regions were detected among 70 EC-R isolates (51/70 were C. glabrata). Most isolates harboring FKS HS mutations were resistant to 2 or more ECs.ConclusionsEC-R and FLU-R remain uncommon among contemporary Candida isolates; however, a slow and steady emergence of resistance to both antifungal classes was observed in C. glabrata and C. tropicalis isolates.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of a New Drug Based on a Retro-Analog of Cathelicidin—Polypeptide SE-33

Polypeptide SE-33 (SETRPVLNRLFDKIRQVIRKFEKGIKEKSKRFF), which is a retro analog of natural antimicrobial protein cathelicidin LL-37 (LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES), was synthesized by the method of solid-phase peptide synthesis. Similar to the natural peptide, polypeptide SE-33 forms an amphipathic alpha helix but has an inverted amino acid sequence compared to cathelicidin. It has been shown the physicochemical properties of polypeptide SE-33 are similar to those of the natural compound. In vitro experiments have shown that polypeptide SE-33 exerts a bactericidal effect on the cells of Staphylococcus aureus Wood 46, which is comparable with the effect of cathelicidin LL-37, as well as pronounced antifungal activity against the clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Trichosporon cutaneum, Geotrichum sp. The MICs of polypeptide SE-33 for different fungal strains were in the range of 31.2 to 1024 μg/mL. Polypeptide SE-33 demonstrated high activity in vivo in the model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in mice comparable with that of pimafucin. In the absence of side effects and signs of pathology, polypeptide SE-33 in all doses tested (1, 10 and 50 mg/mL) statistically reduced the vaginal load of the mice compared to the placebo group. The pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity of polypeptide SE-33, as well as the absence of a toxic effect in the VVC model in mice, suggest polypeptide SE-33 as a promising antimicrobial agent.

Efficacy of novel eugenol tosylate congeners as antifungal compounds in combination with fluconazole against Candida albicans

The incidences of Candida albicans infections and their changing drug resistance patterns have drastically increased in recent years. Therefore, new drugs and alternative treatment strategies are promptly required. Combination therapy and the use of natural products have been extensively studied as alternative treatment. In this study, we synthesized Eugenol Tosylate Congeners (ETCs 1–6) and evaluated their antifungal activity profile alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLC) against four FLC susceptible and three FLC resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans isolates according to CLSI guidelines. For insight mechanism of antifungal action of ETCs, activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase pump of these C. albicans isolates was determined by monitoring the pH of the external medium. ETC 1 and ETC 4 were the most active congeners against the resistant isolates with the MIC ranging from 125 to 250 µg ml−1. The MFC of ETCs ranged from 1000 µg ml−1 to 2000 µg ml−1. Results interpreted from fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and isobolograms showed 36 % of synergy, 29 % of additive, 33 % of indifferent and 2 % of antagonistic interactions. These compounds also inhibit H+efflux activity of H+-ATPase pump at varying degrees. Our results suggest that these ETCs may be directly binding to this pump and thereby inhibiting H+-efflux in Candida cells. These results advocate the potential of these compounds in developing new antifungal drugs; however, further studies are required to understand the other mechanisms involved and in vivo efficacy and toxicity of these compounds.

DNA Methylation in Yeast-Like Fungi of the Species Candida albicans Induced by Different Lengths of Exposure to Ozone

The objective of the study was to determine global DNA methylation induced by lengths of exposure to ozone in Candida albicans isolates of human and animal origin. The level of global DNA methylation was tested as the relative methylation level in the samples in relation to a methylated control. The analysis revealed differences in the methylation level in the human and animal samples. Ozone had a significant effect on the DNA methylation process, and longer exposure substantially increased the level of total methylated DNA. As expected, the degree of methylation depended on the length of exposure to ozone.

Persistence of Candida albicans in the Oral Mucosa Induces a Curbed Inflammatory Host Response That Is Independent of Immunosuppression.

Controlled immune activation in response to commensal microbes is critical for the maintenance of stable colonization and prevention of microbial overgrowth on epithelial surfaces. Our understanding of the host mechanisms that regulate bacterial commensalism has increased substantially, however, much less data exist regarding host responses to members of the fungal microbiota on colonized surfaces. Using a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis, we have recently shown that differences in immune activation in response to diverse natural isolates of Candida albicans are associated with different outcomes of the host-fungal interaction. Here we applied a genome-wide transcriptomic approach to show that rapid induction of a strong inflammatory response characterized by neutrophil-associated genes upon C. albicans colonization inversely correlated with the ability of the fungus to persist in the oral mucosa. Surprisingly, persistent fungal isolates showed no signs of a compensatory regulatory immune response. By combining RNA-seq data, genetic mouse models, and co-infection experiments, we show that attenuation of the inflammatory response at the onset of infection with a persistent isolate is not a consequence of enhanced immunosuppression. Importantly, depletion of regulatory T cells or deletion of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 did not alter host-protective type 17 immunity nor did it impair fungal survival in the oral mucosa, indicating that persistence of C. albicans in the oral mucosa is not a consequence of suppressed antifungal immunity.

Antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of <i>Commiphora africana</i>

Commiphora africana has been used traditionally for generations in many parts of the world to treat a wide range of ailments. It has been reported to have bioactive compounds and has been recognized for its medicinal importance. The antimicrobial activity as well as the phytohemical screening of the aqueous, ethanol and petroleum ether crude extracts of Commiphora africana against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Staphylocoocus aureus and Escherichia coli were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The results obtained from the phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The crude leaf extracts at 400μg/ml, had high antifungal activity against Candida albicans (24mm), Epidermophyton floccosum (23mm) and Staphylocoocus aureus (18mm). Escherichia coli resisted to all the extracts except for petroleum ether where it showed 10mm zone of inhibition. Clotrimozole and Ciprofloxacin were used as positive control and were active against ame isolates at 25μg/ml with zones 30mm and 19mm respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that the crude leaf extracts of Commiphora africana had antimicrobial activity and can serve as a potential source of natural bioactive compounds for the treatment of fungal infections.Keywords: Commiphora africana, extracts, antimicrobial activity, phytochemicals, clinicalisolates, bacteria, fungi.

Erratum for Savage et al., "Iron Restriction to Clinical Isolates of Candida albicans by the Novel Chelator DIBI Inhibits Growth and Increases Sensitivity to Azoles In Vitro and In Vivo in a Murine Model of Experimental Vaginitis".

Volume 62, no. 8, e02576-17, 2018, [https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.02576-17][1]. This article was published on 27 July 2018 with the second author's surname incorrectly indexed as “del Carmen Parquet” instead of “Parquet.” This has been corrected in the current version, posted on 7 December

Antimicrobial Efficiency of Essential Oils from Traditional Medicinal Plants of Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, over Drug Resistant Isolates.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recurring global problem, which constantly demands new antimicrobial compounds to challenge the resistance. It is well known that essential oils (EOs) have been known for biological activities including antimicrobial properties. In this study, EOs from seven aromatic plants of Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against four drug resistant pathogenic bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus typhimurium) and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Chemical compositions of EOs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare proved most active against all isolates with inhibitory zone range between 17 and 45 mm. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.025mg/ml was observed for Staph. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with EO of Origanum vulgare. All the three EOs showed significant anticandida activity. The results related to EOs from Mentha cervina, Ocimum basilicum, and Origanum vulgare demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy against drug resistant microorganisms.

Detection of Cytolysis Peptide Toxin Gene (Candidalysin) in Candida albicans Isolates

This study was launched to identify the presence of the gene; ece1 (extent of cell elongation 1), encodes for a precursor protein related to the candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin important for the induction of mucosal-related infections, in isolates of Candida albicans. Initially, 30 isolates of C. albicans were provided by Merjan Teaching Hospital, Hilla City, Iraq. These isolates had been originally recovered from 10 children suffered mouth thrush (MT) infection, 10 women with infection of vaginal candidiasis (VC), and 10 patients with immunocompromised-based candida (ICC) infection. The samples were Lab-based processed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to amplify an ece1-specific-362bp region. The results revealed the presence of the current gene in 4 (40%) of the ICC samples, 1 (10%) of the VC samples, and 3 (30%) of the MT samples. The current findings of the current investigation indicate the presence of the C. albicans candidalysin virulence gene in the tested isolates from Hilla City, Iraq. The work also suggests performing future studies or adopting novel control standards to overcome the virulence processes initiated by this gene.

Types of microorganisms in proximal caries lesion and ozone treatment

The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the types of microorganisms in deep proximal caries lesions and the efficacy of elimination of microorganisms after a 24 s ozone application to proximal cavity lesions prepared for restoration. Sixteen caries-active volunteers (female: 8, male: 8; age range: 35–55), with proximally situated deep caries lesions on premolars or molars, were included in the study. Each patient underwent two microbiological investigations. First, the caries decay before treatment was assessed. Second, the dentine tissue was assessed after the removal of necrotic tooth decay and 24 s ozone application. The prevalence of oral streptococci was determined. In addition, we isolated Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Peptostreptococcus spp. from deep proximal caries lesion in caries-active patients. All microorganisms found in the deep proximal caries lesions were destroyed following 24 s ozone application. Our findings suggest that S. anginosus group, C. albicans and E. faecalis should be considered as an index for caries activity in caries-active patients, but additional studies are necessary to confirm this suggestion. This study demonstrated that 24 s of gaseous ozone application to the deep proximal caries lesions effectively eliminated microbial species.

Susceptibility of Fungi Infect Animals to Antimycotics in Alexandria City

The aim of the present study was the isolation and phenotypic identification of dermatophytes isolated from cats, dogs, and cattle, followed by an evaluation of their antifungal susceptibility to azole antifungal agents in addition to isolation and phenotypic identification of Candida albicans from canine otitis, Aspergillus fumigatus from feline otitis and evaluation of their antifungal susceptibility. Specimens from pet animals were collected from veterinary clinics and from rural areas for the specimens from cattle in Alexandria city, Egypt. One hundred and ninety-five clinical samples were collected from pet animals and cattle (from cats; 80 ear swabs, 20 hair and skin scraping, from dogs; 50 ear swabs,15 hair and skin scraping and from cattle 30 hair and skin scraping) for mycological examination and antimycotic sensitivity test by disk diffusion method. The results of this study revealed that most dermatophytes isolated from pet animals are Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypsum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum, while from cattle M.gypseum, T.mentagrophytes and T.rubrum. Antifungal sensitivity test on the isolated dermatophytes was nearly similar and showed high resistance to fluconazole. In canine otitis, C.albicans was resistance to fluconazole, ketoconazole and clotrimazole and susceptible to itraconazole and voriconazole. A.fumigatus was susceptible only to itraconazole ,voriconazole and clotrimazole and resistance to other azole agents . This study shows the importance of knowing the main causative agent in canine and feline otitis and dermatophytosis in domestic animals and performing antifungal sensitivity to help in assaying the most susceptible antifungal agents.

Antifungalna aktivnost etarskog ulja Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae) na rast izolata Candida albicans

The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of root, aerial parts and fruit from two natural populations of Seseli rigidum was tested against 28 isolates of Candida albicans and one laboratory control strain of C. albicans ATCC 10259. Strains of C. albicans were isolated from oropharyngeal swabs, vaginal and/or cervical swabs, eye swabs, wound swabs, feces and urine. The investigated strains showed high level of resistance towards the activity of control antimycotic agent fluconazole and to a lower extent towards amphotericin B. The S. rigidum essential oils, in the concentrations of 50-200 mg/ml, inhibited the growth of investigated strains (28.6-46.4% of tested strains). The essential oils of root from both localities showed antifungal effect at the concentration 50 mg/ml. The dominant compound in the root essential oils was falcarinol (57.5% and 88.8%). The lower activity was obtained with the essential oil of aerial parts or fruit. The 100 mg/ml of essential oil of aerial parts showed significant effect on C. albicans strains. The essential oil of fruit from population from Brdjanska gorge exerted somehow higher effect. It was characterised by higher a-pinene and b-phellandrene content and lower amount of sabinene. The obtained results revealed the significant antifungal effects of S. rigidum root, aerial parts and fruit essential oils against resistant strains of C. albicans.

Expression of fluconazole resistance-associated genes in biofilm from 23 clinical isolates of Candida albicans.

This study aimed to establish the influence of biofilm from clinical isolates of Candida albicans on fluconazole resistance, focusing on efflux pumps and azole-targeted enzymes. Twenty-three C. albicans clinical isolates were collected from two hospitals in Shanghai, China. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed on biofilm and planktonic cells. A crystal violet assay was used to monitor biofilm growth. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to quantify the expression of the transporter-related genes MDR1, CDR1, and CDR2 as well as ERG11, a gene encoding an enzyme targeted by antifungal drugs. Fluconazole resistance was shown to increase in biofilm in a time-dependent manner. No significant differences were observed between different strains of C. albicans. Genes encoding efflux pumps were overexpressed in early stages of biofilm formation and could also be induced by fluconazole. While ERG11 was not upregulated in biofilm, it was overexpressed upon the addition of fluconazole to biofilm and planktonic cells. Gene expression also appeared to be related to the original genotype of the strain. The upregulation of genes encoding efflux pumps demonstrates their role in the development of fluconazole resistance during the early stages of C. albicans biofilm formation.

Challenging SNP impact on caspofungin resistance by full-length FKS1 allele replacement in Candida lusitaniae.

A strain of the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida lusitaniae was genetically engineered for full-length replacement of the FKS1 gene encoding the target of echinocandin antifungals in order to assess the impact of FKS mutations on echinocandin resistance and reduced echinocandin susceptibility (RES). FKS1 allelic exchange was achieved by transforming C. lusitaniae with two DNA fragments covering the entire FKS1 ORF. Both fragments overlap a 40 bp region where SNPs or small indels of interest were inserted. To target integration at the FKS1 locus, each DNA fragment was fused with split auxotrophic markers of which complementary truncated parts were previously inserted into the chromosomal regions flanking FKS1, allowing selection on minimal medium. Three SNPs described in the FKS1 hotspot (HS) regions HS1 or HS2 of clinical isolates of Candida albicans were expressed at an equivalent position in C. lusitaniae and were confirmed to confer either reduced susceptibility (F641V) or full resistance (S645P and R1361G) to caspofungin. The F659 deletion reported in an FKS2 allele of Candida glabrata and the naturally occurring P660A substitution in FKS1 of Candida parapsilosis were shown to confer a 256-fold and 6-fold increase in caspofungin MIC, respectively, when introduced into an FKS1 allele of C. lusitaniae. We have successfully developed a C. lusitaniae strain for the expression of full-length FKS1 alleles harbouring known mutations contributing to reduced susceptibility or resistance to caspofungin, thus opening the way for the screening of other FKS1/FKS2 mutations potentially involved in RES.

Relationship between Sap prevalence and biofilm formation among resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans.

Fungal infections represent a serious health problem especially in immunocompromised individuals. Candida albicans is the most common fungi that cause superficial and systemic infections with high mortality rates. Anti-fungal resistance of C. albicans may be attributed to its virulence. Biofilm formation and proteolytic activity are major virulence determents that may influence both pathogenicity and anti-fungal resistance of Candida albicans. This work studied the relation between biofilm formation, proteolytic activity and prevalence of some Sap genes with reduced susceptibility of C. albicans to different anti-fungal agents. Fifty three C. albicans strains isolated from patients with systemic infections, identified by germ tube, chromogenic agar and confirmed by PCR, were subjected to evaluate their proteolytic activity, the degree of biofilm production and the prevalence of Sap9 and Sap10 genes. The susceptibility of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion method against five antifungal drugs. Four of the C. albicans isolates were resistant to 3 anti-fungal drugs, strong biofilm producer, have proteolytic activity and contain either Sap9 or Sap10 or both. Conclusively, although anti-fungal resistance among the isolates was rare, a relation between the anti-fungal resistance and some major virulence factors was evidently proved in this study.

Multilocus sequence typing of Candida albicans isolates from the oral cavities of patients undergoing haemodialysis

This study evaluates the prevalence, diversity, and genetic profiles of Candida albicans isolates recovered from the oral cavities of haemodialysis patients. Oral swab samples were obtained from haemodialysis patients (n = 126) and healthy control subjects (n = 233) and Candida species were characterised. There was no significant difference between the haemodialysis and control groups in the prevalence of yeast carriers (23.6% vs. 31.0%, respectively) or C. albicans carriers (19.8% vs. 21.0%, respectively). C. albicans was the most populous species in both cohorts, followed by C. parapsilosis. C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata were more prevalent in the haemodialysis group than in the control group (C. parapsilosis 5.6% vs. 0.9% and C. glabrata 3.2% vs. 0.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). C. albicans isolates were analysed by multilocus sequence typing and the results were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Most haemodialysis isolates were placed into Clade 4 (20.0%) and Clade 19 (16.0%) and most control isolates into Clade 8 (17%) and Clade 4 (14.9%). Differences in the strain abundance in each clade were not statistically significant between the two groups. Moreover, there was no significant association between the health status or diagnosis and either the sequence types or clades.

IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AND CYTOTOXICITY SCREENING OF DRY CRUDE EXTRACTS FROM BRAZILIAN AMAZONIA PLANTS

Background: Antifungal multidrug resistance has been reported worldwide and has stimulated investigations of plant&#x0D; species for the treatment of candidiasis. In particular, in vitro antifungal activities and cytotoxicity of dry extracts from&#x0D; Ceasalpinia ferrea (tul.) Martius, Brosimum acutifolium Huber, and Salacia impressifolia (Miers) A.C. Smith were&#x0D; evaluated.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicide (MFC) values were&#x0D; established according to the protocol M27-A2 of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Subsequent&#x0D; evaluations were performed using strains of Candida albicans from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)&#x0D; 10231, clinical isolated Candida albicans, Candida glabrata (CCT) 0728, Candida krusei (FTI) CCT 1517, and&#x0D; Candida guilliermondii (CCT) 1890. Morphological changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy&#x0D; (SEM), and cytotoxicity was evaluated in murine L929 fibroblast cells after treatment with plant extracts.&#x0D; Results: MIC values indicated antifungal potential of all three extracts against the main fungi that causes candidiasis.&#x0D; Conclusion: In particular, C. ferrea showed promising antimicrobial potential against all strains. Hence, future studies&#x0D; are warranted to investigate pharmacologically active compounds from this extract that could be used as prototypes for&#x0D; drug development and/or as a source of raw pharmaceutical materials for the treatment of candidiasis.