The efficacy of luliconazole and caspofungin on planktonic and biofilm of Candida albicans from different sources

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The ability of Candida albicans to produce biofilm is considered an important pathogenic factor. In addition, the low sensitivity of biofilms to antifungal drugs is a challenge for patients, clinicians, and laboratory workers. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of luliconazole and caspofungin on the planktonic and biofilm types of C. albicans strains.

Materials and Methods: Fifty C. albicans from vaginitis, candiduria, gastrointestinal candidiasis, and saliva were examined for antifungal susceptibility against caspofungin and luliconazole using the CLSI M27 guideline. Moreover, the susceptibil- ity of biofilms was detected using 96 well microplates and the MTT method.

Results: The capacity of the isolates to produce biofilm within 2, 6, and 24 h was different, however, all tested isolates pro- duced biofilm after 24 h. Vaginal and esophagitis isolates had a high and low ability for biofilm production during 24-hour incubation. In our study, 90% of isolates were sensitive to caspofungin, while 7.5 and 2.5% of them were intermediate and resistant. The MIC range of all isolates against luliconazole was 0.01562-1 µg/mL.

Conclusion: The MICs of biofilms were 15.6, and 171.3 higher than that of planktonic cells for caspofungin and luli- conazole, respectively. Moreover, paradoxical and trailing effects occurred at 4 and 32 µg/mL of caspofungin and luli- conazole, respectively.