Characterization of biofilms in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Candida albicans. (1st April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vavala, Elisabetta; Colone, Marisa; Passariello, Claudio; Celestino, Ignacio; Toccacieli, Laura; Stringaro, Annarita; Angiolella, Letizia
• Is Part Of: Journal of chemotherapy. Volume 25:Number 2(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2013-04-01
• Subjects: Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Drug Therapy -- Periodicals; 615.58
• DOI: 10.1179/1973947812Y.0000000047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-009X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In this study, we investigated the biofilm formation in strains of <italic>Candida albicans</italic> susceptible (CO23) or resistant to fluconazole (CO23RFLC) or micafungin (CO23RFK). The effect of drug resistance on biofilm formation was investigated through the cell surface hydrophobicity and the mannan content. Moreover, biofilm formation was evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 hours with crystal violet assay, dry weight, as well as scanning electron microscopy. Our results showed an increase in hydrophobicity, polysaccharides content, metabolic activity and dry weight. Observation of sensitive and resistant strains confirmed the differences in cell morphology. Finally, the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation, such as HWP1 and EFG1, evaluated with relative real-time RT-PCR. Resistant strains proved to up- regulate the expression of HWP1. These results demonstrated the existence of important differences between drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains biofilm of <italic>C. albicans</italic>.</p> </abstract>