Susceptibility Profile of Candida albicans Biofilms on Polyvinyl Chloride Endotracheal Tube to Antifungal Azoles

Abstract

One of the most prevalent causative organisms in human fungal infections is Candida albicans. The extensive utility of medical devices such as endotracheal tube has resulted in the increased cases of fungal infections. The present study visualized Candida albicans biofilm on polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube and described the susceptibility profile of the biofilm to antifungal azoles. Biofilm was examined using light and fluorescence microscopy. The susceptibility profile of planktonic and sessile cells with posaconazole, miconazole, voriconazole, and fluconazole was assessed employing the standard disc diffusion method. Planktonic C. albicans was susceptible to the identified antifungal azoles, whereas the sessile cells had varying susceptibility profiles. The biofilms remained susceptible to voriconazole and fluconazole, susceptible-dose dependent to posaconazole, and resistant to miconazole. Findings of the present study can provide relevant information on the resistance mechanism of fungal biofilms with azoles and in the design of new pharmacologic interventions intended as treatment of mycoses.

Keywords

• fluconazole
• fungal infections
• miconazole
• polymer-based material
• posaconazole
• standard disc diffusion method
• voriconazole