BDSF inhibits Candida albicans adherence to urinary catheters

Cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) is a quorum-sensing signal molecule produced by the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia and suppresses germ tube formation of Candida albicans. An in vitro model for biofilm formation evaluated the influence of BDSF on C. albicans. Biofilm morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy, cell adherence was determined using polystyrene plates and siliconized urinary catheters, and the levels of expression of genes involved in adhesion were determined using Real-time Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction. BDSF inhibited initial biofilm formation by a clinical isolate of C. albicans and reduced its capability to adhere to the polystyrene surface. BDSF at concentrations up to 120 μM did not significantly affect the viability of C. albicans. BDSF (90 μM) inhibited cell adherence to plates and catheters by 4- and 25-fold. Compared with untreated yeasts, the level of expression of genes involved in adhesion, ALS1 and EAP1, were reduced by 4- and 0.25-fold, whereas that of YWP1 was increased at a 4-fold higher level. Here we show that BDSF effectively inhibited biofilm development as indicated by its ability to inhibit adherence. Thus, BDSF should be considered as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent disease caused by Candida species.