Antifungal activity of cathelicidin peptides against planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida species isolated from vaginal infections

摘要: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequent gynecological condition caused by Candida albicans and few non-albicans spp. It has significant impact on the quality of life affected women also due to considerable incidence recurrent infections that are difficult treat. The formation fungal biofilm may contribute problematic management VVC intrinsic resistance sessile cells currently available antifungals. Thus, alternative approaches for prevention control biofilm-related urgently needed. In this regard, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) innate immunity potential candidates development novel antimicrobials as many them display activity against formed various microbial species. present study, we investigated in vitro antifungal activities cathelicidin LL-37 BMAP-28 pathogenic including C. albicans, isolated from vaginal infections, SC5314 reference strain. was evaluated planktonic biofilm-grown using microdilution susceptibility XTT [2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction assays and, case established biofilms, CFU enumeration fluorescence microscopy. effective planktonically grown yeasts standard medium (MIC range, 2-32μM), isolates krusei synthetic simulated fluid range 8-32μM, depending pH medium). Established 48-h old biofilms were 70-90% inhibited within 24h incubation with 16μM BMAP-28. As shown propidium dye uptake enumeration, at 32μM killed membrane permeabilization faster killing kinetics compared miconazole (80-85% reduced viability 90min vs 48h). addition, prevented polystyrene medical grade silicone surfaces causing >90% 30min. overall less than 4-≥64μM), ineffective biofilms. However, 64μM inhibiting cell adhesion surfaces. Finally, strongly when pre-coated layer or LL-37, encouraging further studies peptide-based coatings.