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Published on: April 2, 2021
Difference in killing activity of caspofungin and paradoxical growth between Candida albicans and C. krusei clinical
Abstract:
Minimum fungicidal concentration (mFC) of caspofungin was determined against 16 Candida albicans and 16 C. krusei in Rpmi-1640 and antibiotic medium 3 (Am3). time-kill tests were performed on six C. albicans and four C. krusei strains at 0.06-16 mg/l caspofungin. mFC ranges after 48 h were 0.5-1 and 1-2 mg/l for C. albicans and C. krusei, respectively; one C. albicans and the C. krusei reference strain showed paradoxical growth (pG) in Rpmi-1640, respectively. in killing experiments, after 48 h caspofugin was fungicidal against two and four C. albicans in Rpmi-1640 (at 16 mg/l) and in Am3 (at >0.5 mg/l), respectively; pG was noted in three and two cases, respectively. Caspofungin at >2 and 0.5 mg/l was fungicidal against all tested C. krusei strains even after 24 h in Rpmi-1640 and Am3, respectively. Killing activity of caspofungin against C. albicans and C. krusei could be exactly measured only by killing curves.
Insights
Caspofungin demonstrated fungicidal activity against Candida albicans and Candida krusei. Killing curves accurately measured caspofungin
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Antifungal Drug Research
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Candida species are significant opportunistic fungal pathogens.
- Echinocandin antifungals, like caspofungin, are crucial for treating invasive candidiasis.
- Understanding caspofungin's activity against different Candida species and media is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the minimum fungicidal concentration (mFC) of caspofungin against Candida albicans and Candida krusei.
- To evaluate caspofungin's killing activity over time in different culture media.
- To investigate paradoxical growth phenomena with caspofungin treatment.
Main Methods:
- Minimum fungicidal concentration (mFC) assays were performed.
- Time-kill kinetic studies were conducted using various caspofungin concentrations.
- Experiments utilized Rpmi-1640 and antibiotic medium 3 (Am3).
- Paradoxical growth was observed and documented.
Main Results:
- mFC ranges for C. albicans and C. krusei were established after 48 hours.
- Caspofungin showed fungicidal activity against C. krusei at lower concentrations and shorter time points compared to C. albicans.
- Paradoxical growth was observed in specific strains and conditions.
- Killing curves provided a more precise measure of caspofungin's antifungal effect.
Conclusions:
- Caspofungin exhibits concentration- and time-dependent fungicidal activity against C. albicans and C. krusei.
- Culture medium influences caspofungin's efficacy.
- Time-kill curves are essential for accurately assessing caspofungin's killing activity.
- Further investigation into paradoxical growth is warranted.
