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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
Published on: October 21, 2010
Fungal susceptibility testing
M A Gianinni1, T Pearson, C C Patrick
1Department of Pathology & Molecular Microbiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, TN, USA.
Abstract:
The utility of antifungal susceptibility testing has not been broadly determined. Thus, susceptibility testing of fungal isolates is not recommended on a routine basis. For instance, susceptibilty testing may be considered for some Candida species and for patients with Pseudallescheria boydii infections. Testing of yeasts for susceptiblity to azoles is of particular value due to their variability in response to these agents. It may also be important to test the susceptibility of new fungal organisms not previously identified or known to cause human disease because in these situations there are no clinical reports of efficacy to guide the choice of antifungal therapy.
Insights
Antifungal susceptibility testing is not routinely recommended due to undetermined utility. However, testing may be valuable for specific fungal infections like Candida and Pseudallescheria boydii, and for novel fungal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Clinical Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- The clinical utility of antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) remains largely undetermined.
- Routine AFST is not currently recommended for most fungal infections.
- Variability in antifungal drug response necessitates careful consideration of testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the circumstances under which antifungal susceptibility testing is beneficial.
- To guide the appropriate application of AFST in clinical settings.
- To address the need for susceptibility data in emerging fungal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical guidelines and literature on AFST.
- Analysis of specific fungal pathogens where AFST has demonstrated value.
- Consideration of emerging fungal threats and the role of susceptibility data.
Main Results:
- AFST is not recommended routinely but has utility in select cases.
- Testing is valuable for certain Candida species and Pseudallescheria boydii infections.
- Susceptibility testing to azoles is particularly important for yeasts due to variable responses.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal susceptibility testing should be considered selectively, not routinely.
- Testing is crucial for novel fungal pathogens lacking clinical efficacy data.
- Targeted AFST can inform antifungal therapy choices for specific infections.
