A Human Ex Vivo Skin Model to Study Candida auris Biofilms.

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen known for its persistence on surfaces and skin.
• The ability of C. auris to form biofilms contributes to treatment challenges and impacts patient outcomes.
• Existing in vitro and animal models show variable biofilm formation capacities for C. auris, necessitating more relevant models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and detail a human skin model for studying Candida auris biofilm formation.
• To investigate C. auris biofilm development on both catheterized and non-catheterized human skin.
• To provide a more clinically relevant model for understanding C. auris pathogenesis on human skin.

Main Methods:

• Detailed protocol for establishing a human skin model.
• Inoculation of the model with Candida auris.
• Analysis of biofilm formation on human skin explants under different conditions (catheterized vs. non-catheterized).

Main Results:

• The study presents a reproducible protocol for a human skin model.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of studying C. auris biofilm formation in a human skin context.
• Highlights potential differences in biofilm formation on catheterized versus non-catheterized skin.

Conclusions:

• The developed human skin model offers a valuable tool for studying Candida auris biofilm formation.
• This model more closely mimics the in vivo environment compared to traditional in vitro or animal models.
• Further research using this model can inform strategies for preventing and treating C. auris skin colonization and infection.