Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
Published on: February 14, 2018
In vitro evaluation of sulfadrugs against fungi causing otomycosis
Sudhir K Jain1, S C Agrawal, P C Jain
1Department of Applied Microbiology, Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Gwalior 474 009, India. Sudhirkjain1@rediffmail.com
Abstract:
The efficacy of four sulfadrugs i.e., sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfaguanidine and sulfamoxole were taken in different doses (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 ppm) to test their effectiveness against five pathogenic organisms for the control of mycelial growth and sporulation. Amongst the drugs tested sulfamethoxazole seems to be most effective against most of the test fungi showing 96.78, 90.53, 86.62, 54.16 and 43.91 percent inhibition in mycelial growth of P. nigricans, A. flavus, A. corymbifera, A. niger and C. albicans, respectively at its 2500 ppm dose in the basal medium. Gradual reduction in sporulation in all the test organisms almost in all the sulfadrugs have caused inhibition in sporulation, in comparison to their respective controls. Maximum inhibitory effect of sulfadiazine was recorded in A. niger showing 77.26 percent inhibition in the mycelial growth at a dose of 2500 ppm. Sulfaguanidine at its higher dose i.e., 2500 ppm proved to be most toxic against A. corymbifera causing 56.39 percent inhibition in the mycelial growth, while the same dose could not be found much effective against other test fungi. Sulfamoxole was found to be quite effective against most of the test fungi causing 47.16 to 85.86 percent inhibition in the mycelial growth. A gradual inhibition in the vegetative growth and sporulation or budding in all the test fungi was noted by increasing the concentrations of the test sulfadrugs.
Insights
Sulfamethoxazole demonstrated the highest antifungal efficacy, inhibiting mycelial growth by up to 96.78% in pathogenic fungi. Increasing sulfadrug concentrations gradually reduced fungal growth and sporulation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Antimicrobial drug efficacy
Background:
- Pathogenic fungi pose significant threats to agriculture and human health.
- Sulfadrugs are a class of antimicrobial agents with potential antifungal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of four sulfadrugs against five pathogenic fungi.
- To determine the optimal sulfadrug and dosage for controlling fungal growth and sporulation.
Main Methods:
- Four sulfadrugs (sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfaguanidine, sulfamoxole) were tested.
- Different concentrations (500-2500 ppm) were applied to inhibit mycelial growth and sporulation.
- The study assessed inhibition percentages against fungi like P. nigricans, A. flavus, A. corymbifera, A. niger, and C. albicans.
Main Results:
- Sulfamethoxazole was the most effective, showing up to 96.78% inhibition of mycelial growth at 2500 ppm.
- Sulfadiazine inhibited A. niger by 77.26%, and sulfaguanidine inhibited A. corymbifera by 56.39% at 2500 ppm.
- All tested sulfadrugs showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on fungal growth and sporulation.
Conclusions:
- Sulfamethoxazole exhibits potent antifungal activity against a range of pathogenic fungi.
- Sulfadrugs offer a viable strategy for controlling fungal infections, with efficacy varying by drug and fungal species.
