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Published on: July 18, 2012
Candida auris susceptibility on surfaces coated with the antifungal drug caspofungin
Stephanie J Lamont-Friedrich1, Sarah E Kidd2, Carla Giles3
1Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5095, Australia.
Abstract:
Candida auris is known to survive for weeks on solid material surfaces. Its longevity contributes to medical device contamination and spread through healthcare facilities. We fabricated antifungal surface coatings by coating plastic and glass surfaces with a thin polymer layer to which the antifungal drug caspofungin was covalently conjugated. Caspofungin-susceptible and -resistant C. auris strains were inhibited on these surfaces by 98.7 and 81.1%, respectively. Cell viability studies showed that this inhibition was fungicidal. Our findings indicate that C. auris strains can be killed on contact when exposed to caspofungin that is reformulated as a covalently-bound surface layer.
Lay Summary:
Candida auris is pathogenic, multidrug resistant yeast with the ability to survive on surfaces and remain transmissible for long periods of time in healthcare settings. In this study, we have prepared an antifungal surface coating and demonstrated its ability to kill adhering C. auris cells on contact.
Insights
Researchers developed antifungal surface coatings using the drug caspofungin to combat Candida auris. These innovative coatings effectively kill both susceptible and resistant strains of this yeast on contact, reducing contamination risks in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Antimicrobial Technology
Background:
- Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast known for its prolonged survival on surfaces.
- Its persistence facilitates transmission and contamination within healthcare environments, posing significant public health challenges.
- Effective strategies are needed to prevent Candida auris spread and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate novel antifungal surface coatings for inhibiting Candida auris.
- To assess the efficacy of covalently conjugated caspofungin on plastic and glass surfaces against Candida auris.
- To determine if the surface coating demonstrates fungicidal activity against Candida auris.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of antifungal surface coatings by covalently conjugating caspofungin to polymer layers on plastic and glass.
- Testing the inhibition of both caspofungin-susceptible and -resistant Candida auris strains on these coated surfaces.
- Conducting cell viability studies to confirm the fungicidal nature of the surface interaction.
Main Results:
- Antifungal surface coatings significantly inhibited Candida auris growth.
- 98.7% inhibition was observed for caspofungin-susceptible strains.
- 81.1% inhibition was achieved for caspofungin-resistant strains, demonstrating broad-spectrum efficacy.
- Cell viability studies confirmed a fungicidal effect on contact.
Conclusions:
- Caspofungin-conjugated surface coatings are effective in killing Candida auris on contact.
- This technology offers a promising approach to prevent medical device contamination and limit the spread of Candida auris in healthcare settings.
- The development represents a significant advancement in combating multidrug-resistant fungal infections.
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