2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid is fungicidal for Candida and Aspergillus species. Issue 4 (11th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sakko, M.; Moore, C.; Novak‐Frazer, L.; Rautemaa, V.; Sorsa, T.; Hietala, P.; Järvinen, A.; Bowyer, P.; Tjäderhane, L.; Rautemaa, R.
• Is Part Of: Mycoses. Volume 57:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2013-10-11
• Subjects: Pathogenic fungi -- Periodicals; Medical mycology -- Periodicals; 616.969
• DOI: 10.1111/myc.12145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0933-7407

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="myc12145-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <p>The amino acid derivative 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) is a nutritional additive used to increase muscle mass. Low levels can be detected in human plasma as a result of leucine metabolism. It has broad antibacterial activity but its efficacy against pathogenic fungi is not known. The aim was to test the efficacy of HICA against <italic>Candida</italic> and <italic>Aspergillus</italic> species. Efficacy of HICA against 19 clinical and reference isolates representing five <italic>Candida</italic> and three <italic>Aspergillus</italic> species with variable azole antifungal sensitivity profiles was tested using a microdilution method. The concentrations were 18, 36 and 72 mg ml<sup>−1</sup>. Growth was determined spectrophotometrically for <italic>Candida</italic> isolates and by visual inspection for <italic>Aspergillus</italic> isolates, viability was tested by culture and impact on morphology by microscopy. HICA of 72 mg ml<sup>−1</sup> was fungicidal against all <italic>Candida</italic> and <italic>Aspergillus fumigatus</italic> and <italic>Aspergillus terreus</italic> isolates. Lower concentrations were fungistatic. <italic>Aspergillus flavus</italic> was not inhibited by HICA. HICA inhibited hyphal formation in susceptible <italic>Candida albicans</italic> and <italic>A. fumigatus</italic> isolates and affected cell wall integrity. In conclusion, HICA has broad antifungal activity against <italic>Candida</italic> and <italic>Aspergillus</italic> at concentrations relevant for topical therapy. As a fungicidal agent with broad‐spectrum bactericidal activity, it may be useful in the topical treatment of multispecies superficial infections.</p> </abstract>