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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
A Soluble Tetrazolium-Based Reduction Assay to Evaluate the Effect of Antibodies on Candida tropicalis Biofilms
Published on: September 16, 2022
[Candida biofilm-related infections]
José Luis Del Pozo1, Emilia Cantón2
1Área de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica, Laboratorio de Biofilms Microbianos, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, España.
Abstract:
The number of biomedical devices (intravascular catheters, heart valves, joint replacements, etc.) that are implanted in our hospitals has increased exponentially in recent years. Candida species are pathogens which are becoming more significant in these kinds of infections. Candida has two forms of development: planktonic and in biofilms. A biofilm is a community of microorganisms which adhere to a surface and are enclosed by an extracellular matrix. This form of development confers a high resistance to the antimicrobial agents. This is the reason why antibiotic treatments usually fail and biomedical devices may have to be removed in most cases. Unspecific adhesion mechanisms, the adhesion-receptor systems, and an intercellular communication system called quorum sensing play an essential role in the development of Candida biofilms. In general, the azoles have poor activity against Candida biofilms, while echinocandins and polyenes show a greater activity. New therapeutic strategies need to be developed due to the high morbidity and mortality and high economic costs associated with these infections. Most studies to date have focused on bacterial biofilms. The knowledge of the formation of Candida biofilms and their composition is essential to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Candida biofilms on medical devices are a growing problem, often resisting antibiotics. Understanding biofilm formation is key to developing new treatments for these difficult infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biomedical device use is increasing, leading to more device-associated infections.
- Candida species are significant pathogens causing these infections, developing into drug-resistant biofilms.
- Biofilm formation involves adhesion, receptor systems, and quorum sensing, complicating treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges posed by Candida biofilms on biomedical devices.
- To emphasize the need for new therapeutic strategies against these infections.
- To underscore the importance of understanding Candida biofilm development.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Candida biofilm formation and treatment.
- Analysis of factors contributing to biofilm resistance to antimicrobial agents.
- Comparison of antifungal activities against Candida biofilms.
Main Results:
- Candida biofilms exhibit high resistance to antimicrobial agents, often necessitating device removal.
- Azoles show limited efficacy against Candida biofilms, while echinocandins and polyenes are more active.
- Existing research predominantly focuses on bacterial biofilms, with less attention on Candida.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention and treatment strategies for Candida biofilm infections require a deeper understanding of their formation and composition.
- New therapeutic approaches are crucial to combat the high morbidity, mortality, and economic costs associated with these infections.
- Further research into Candida biofilm-specific mechanisms is essential.
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