In vitro antifungal activity of Polyporaceae against yeasts and dermatophytes

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Fungal infections, particularly those caused by yeasts and dermatophytes, pose a significant public health challenge.
• The search for novel antifungal agents from natural sources, such as fungi, is an ongoing area of research.
• Polyporaceae fungi represent a diverse group with potential medicinal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of 38 species of Polyporaceae sensu lato against a panel of pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes.
• To identify specific species within the Polyporaceae family exhibiting significant antifungal potential.
• To report for the first time the broad-spectrum antifungal activity of Pycnoporellus fulgens.

Main Methods:

• Agar dilution method was employed for in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing.
• A collection of 38 Polyporaceae sensu lato strains, including type organisms and clinical isolates, were tested.
• Antifungal activity was assessed against key yeast species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) and dermatophyte species (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum).

Main Results:

• Pycnoporellus fulgens exhibited the most potent and broad-spectrum antifungal activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of tested yeasts and dermatophytes.
• Several other Polyporaceae species demonstrated antifungal activity, primarily against dermatophytes.
• The study identified P. fulgens as a promising source for novel antifungal compounds.

Conclusions:

• Pycnoporellus fulgens possesses significant broad-spectrum antifungal properties against clinically relevant yeasts and dermatophytes.
• The findings highlight the potential of Polyporaceae fungi as a source for developing new antifungal therapies.
• Further research into the active compounds and mechanisms of P. fulgens is warranted.