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2-hydroxyisocaproic acid is fungicidal for Candida and Aspergillus species

M Sakko1, C Moore, L Novak-Frazer

  • 1Finnish Doctoral Program of Oral Sciences, Turku, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Mycoses
|October 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) shows fungicidal activity against Candida and Aspergillus species at high concentrations. This amino acid derivative may be effective for topical treatment of superficial fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Antimicrobial research

Background:

  • 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA), an amino acid derivative, is known for its antibacterial properties.
  • Its efficacy against pathogenic fungi, particularly Candida and Aspergillus species, remains unexplored.
  • HICA is a metabolite of leucine, found in human plasma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of HICA against clinical and reference isolates of Candida and Aspergillus species.
  • To determine the minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of HICA.
  • To investigate HICA's impact on fungal morphology and cell wall integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Microdilution method was employed to test HICA against 19 isolates (5 Candida, 3 Aspergillus species).
  • Fungal growth was assessed spectrophotometrically and visually.
  • Viability was confirmed by culture, and morphological changes were observed via microscopy.

Main Results:

  • A concentration of 72 mg/ml HICA demonstrated fungicidal activity against all tested Candida, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus terreus isolates.
  • Lower HICA concentrations exhibited fungistatic effects.
  • Aspergillus flavus isolates were not inhibited by HICA.
  • HICA inhibited hyphal formation and affected cell wall integrity in susceptible Candida albicans and A. fumigatus.

Conclusions:

  • HICA exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus species at concentrations suitable for topical application.
  • The compound acts as a fungicidal agent and possesses broad-spectrum bactericidal activity.
  • HICA shows potential for the topical treatment of superficial infections caused by multiple microbial species.
Keywords:
2-hydroxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid2-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acidfungicidalleucic acidnew antifungal

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