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Non-antifungal drugs inhibit growth, morphogenesis and biofilm formation in Candida albicans

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Abstract

The increased resistance/tolerance of Candida infections to antimicrobial treatment can be attributed to biofilm-associated cells. A way to overcome this situation is to re-purpose non-anti-fungal drugs that could be active against fungi. We have explored the potential of a small library of eighteen non-antifungal drugs used in different human diseases. Candida albicans was cultured in the presence and absence of different concentrations of these drugs. Subsequently, inhibition of growth, germ tube formation, adhesion, and biofilm development were studied. Out of eighteen drug molecules, six showed a reduction in planktonic and biofilm growth in a dose-dependent manner and three drugs inhibited germ tube formation. This study shows the potential of non-antifungal drugs for the development of new anti-Candida agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    Gunderao Hanumantrao Kathwate

  2. Department of Zoology, Shri Pundalik Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Nandura, Maharashtra, India

    Ravikumar Bapurao Shinde

  3. Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, DY Patil Education Society Deemed University, Kolhapur, India

    S. Mohan Karuppayil

Authors
  1. Gunderao Hanumantrao Kathwate
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  2. Ravikumar Bapurao Shinde
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  3. S. Mohan Karuppayil
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Correspondence to Gunderao Hanumantrao Kathwate or S. Mohan Karuppayil.

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Kathwate, G.H., Shinde, R.B. & Mohan Karuppayil, S. Non-antifungal drugs inhibit growth, morphogenesis and biofilm formation in Candida albicans. J Antibiot 74, 346–353 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-020-00403-0

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