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A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms
07:19

A 96 Well Microtiter Plate-based Method for Monitoring Formation and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida albicans Biofilms

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Fungal biofilms and antimycotics

Jyotsna Chandra1, Guangyin Zhou, Mahmoud A Ghannoum

  • 1Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-5028, USA.

Current Drug Targets
|December 27, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Device-related infections are often caused by Candida biofilms, which show high resistance to antifungals. This review covers biofilm resistance mechanisms and susceptibility patterns, highlighting echinocandins and lipid formulations of amphotericin B as exceptions.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Device-related infections are a significant cause of nosocomial diseases.
  • Pathogen biofilms on medical devices contribute to persistent infections.
  • Candida species are common culprits, forming biofilms with high antifungal resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review methods for evaluating Candida biofilm resistance.
  • To summarize the susceptibility patterns of Candida biofilms to antifungal agents.
  • To explore the mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance in Candida biofilms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Candida biofilm formation and antifungal resistance.
  • Analysis of susceptibility data for various antifungal agents against Candida biofilms.
  • Examination of research investigating the molecular mechanisms of biofilm resistance.

Main Results:

  • Candida biofilms exhibit substantial resistance to most antifungal drugs.
  • Echinocandins and lipid formulations of amphotericin B show efficacy against Candida biofilms.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Candida biofilms pose a significant challenge in treating device-related infections.
  • Targeted antifungal agents like echinocandins and liposomal amphotericin B are vital.
  • Further research into resistance mechanisms can guide the development of novel therapies.

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