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Published on: September 16, 2022
Overcoming Candida biofilm resistance: targeting persister cells with probiotic-derived metabolites
Priyanka Debta1, Binaya Krushna Sahu2, Sudipta Kumar Patra3
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Dental sciences (IDS), Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Abstract:
Candida biofilms pose a significant complication in clinical settings due to antifungal drug tolerance and the presence of persister cells. Biofilm-mediated resistance is influenced by several associated factors, including the high density and extracellular matrix characteristics of the biofilm, metabolic downregulation, efflux pump activity, and stress-response signaling pathways, which ultimately diminish drug permeability and effectiveness. Within biofilms, persister cells form a small subpopulation of cells with unique phenotypic traits that enable them to survive lethal antifungal exposure and promote the recurrence of infection. Failure of antifungal treatments in eliminating biofilm and their resilient communities suggests a need for new, adjunct treatment options Recent findings have highlighted the therapeutic potential of probiotic-derived metabolites for inhibiting certain aspects of biofilm behavior and survival. These postbiotic compounds could offer a multi-faceted, low-toxicity treatment approach that may be used as an adjunct with existing antifungal therapies. Future investigations incorporating mechanistic studies, biofilm models, and drug product development for metabolite formulations could lead to a new treatment strategy for persistent Candida infections.
Insights
Candida biofilms are hard to treat due to drug tolerance and persister cells. Probiotic metabolites show promise as a new, low-toxicity adjunct therapy to combat these persistent infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candida biofilms present clinical challenges due to antifungal drug tolerance and persister cells.
- Biofilm resistance is multifactorial, involving density, extracellular matrix, metabolic changes, efflux pumps, and stress responses, reducing drug efficacy.
- Persister cells within biofilms survive antifungal exposure, leading to recurrent infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of probiotic-derived metabolites as an adjunct treatment for Candida biofilms.
- To investigate novel strategies for overcoming antifungal resistance in persistent Candida infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Candida biofilm resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of recent findings on probiotic metabolites and their effects on microbial biofilms.
- Conceptualization of adjunct treatment strategies using postbiotic compounds.
Main Results:
- Probiotic-derived metabolites demonstrate potential in inhibiting Candida biofilm formation and survival.
- Postbiotic compounds may offer a multi-faceted, low-toxicity approach to complement existing antifungal therapies.
Conclusions:
- Current antifungal treatments are often insufficient against resilient Candida biofilms.
- Probiotic metabolites represent a promising avenue for developing new adjunct therapies against persistent Candida infections.
- Further research into mechanistic studies and formulation development is warranted.
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