The effect of antifungal agents on Candida biofilm formation

Abstract

Background: Candida has been found to be frequently associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection, we examined biofilm formation of Candida and effect of antifungal agents.
Methods: The effect of micafungin, amphotericin B, and fluconazole on biofilm formation of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida parapsilosis, recovered from clinically documented systemic infections, on polypropylene tubes was determined.
Results: C. parapsilosis strains formed a mature biofilm while C. albicans and C. glabrata strains formed a premature biofilm. In the presence of amphotericin B or fluconazole, no effect was observed on biofilm formation or viable cells within the biofilm layer. On the other hand, micafungin decreased biofilm formation and viable cell counts within the biofilm layer of Candida strains, especially for C. parapsilosis.
Conclusion: Inhibitory effects of micafungin on biofilm formation of C. parapsilosis may be indicative of the excellent efficacy of micafungin against Candida infection.