Antifungal therapy of Candida biofilms: Past, present and future
Olabayo H. Ajetunmobi,
Hamid Badali,
Jesus A. Romo,
Gordon Ramage,
Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
Affiliations
Olabayo H. Ajetunmobi
Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
Hamid Badali
Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
Jesus A. Romo
Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
Gordon Ramage
Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
Jose L. Lopez-Ribot
Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA; Corresponding author. Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
Virtually all Candida species linked to clinical candidiasis are capable of forming highly resistant biofilms on different types of surfaces, which poses an additional significant threat and further complicates therapy of these infections. There is a scarcity of antifungal agents, and their effectiveness, particularly against biofilms, is limited. Here we provide a historical perspective on antifungal agents and therapy of Candida biofilms. As we reflect upon the past, consider the present, and look towards the future of antifungal therapy of Candida biofilms, we believe that there are reasons to remain optimistic, and that the major challenges of Candida biofilm therapy can be conquered within a reasonable timeframe.
