Search Results (259)

Background and Objectives: Candiduria is a common health problem especially among hospitalized patients. In the era of rising azole resistance, evidence from Saudi Arabia remains limited concerning Candida species. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of Candida isolated from urine culture and to explore species distribution in relation to clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 188353 urine samples from 2013 to 2023. Using medical records, data on age, gender, hospitalization status, and urine sample type were collected. Identification of Candida species was performed by VITEK Mass Spectrometry (bioMerieux Inc.). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of candiduria. A p value below 0.05 at a 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1667 urine samples with significant Candida growth were reported. It accounted for 0.88% of all organisms grown from urine culture and 30% of Candida grown from various body sites. Candida albicans was the most frequently identified species (n = 920, 55.2%), followed by C. tropicalis (n = 374, 22.4%), C. krusei (n = 80, 4.8%), C. glabrata (n = 78, 4.7%), and C. parapsilosis (n = 41, 2.5%). However, the rate was not stable throughout the years, and non-albicans Candida (NAC) was often the most prevalent. Female gender was the strongest predictor of candiduria (OR and AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.46–2.25), whereas significantly lower odds were seen in elderly patients and in random urine specimens. The species distribution of NAC did not seem to change with age, gender, type of specimen, or hospitalization status. Conclusions: Among all Candida spp. isolated in the lab, 30 out of every 100 originated from urine culture, with a significant risk associated with females. The increasing prevalence of emerging Candida species in tertiary care settings can provide clinicians with valuable insights for the diagnosis and management of Candida UTI. Full article

Fungal infections are an escalating health threat, especially in hard-to-treat biofilm-associated infections. Candida species are the most widespread drivers of wound biofilm and biomedical device-associated infections. In this study, biodegradable nanoemulsions (BNEs) were fabricated by encapsulating active components of three different essential oils—carvacrol (C-BNE), geraniol (G-BNE), and eugenol (E-BNE)—in a polymeric scaffold with a biodegradable crosslinker. The antibiofilm efficacy of BNEs was assessed against 2-day-old biofilms of multiple Candida species. C-BNE showed maximum effectiveness against all fungal biofilms as compared to G-BNE and E-BNE. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated that C-BNE efficiently penetrated the biofilm and killed the fungal cells by compromising cell membrane integrity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of essential oil-loaded nanoemulsions against drug-resistant biofilm-associated fungal infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natamycin is an effective antifungal limited by poor solubility. This study aimed to develop and characterize natamycin-loaded liposomal vesicles as a biocompatible delivery system to improve stability and achieve controlled release for potential topical application in the treatment of fungal infections. Methods: Formulations were prepared using two phospholipid mixtures (Lipoid S100 and Phospholipon 90H) via standard (thin-film) and proliposome methods. Evaluation included encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, zeta potential, the polydispersity index (PDI), and rheological properties. In vitro release kinetics were compared to a natamycin solution. Antifungal efficacy was tested against four Candida strains to determine minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MICs and MFCs, respectively) and biofilm inhibition, while biocompatibility was assessed via keratinocyte viability assays. Results: Formulations achieved high encapsulation (~90%). Natamycin incorporation improved homogeneity and reduced particle diameters, particularly in proliposome-derived vesicles, suggesting strong drug–lipid interactions. Preparation method and lipid type significantly influenced properties; thin-film formulations showed a lower PDI and higher stability. Diffusion was twofold slower than the control, with Lipoid S100 proliposomes providing the most sustained release. The liposomes demonstrated robust antifungal activity (MICs: 0.00625–0.2 mg/mL) and effective biofilm inhibition against C. krusei. While high concentrations moderately reduced keratinocyte viability, lower doses remained biocompatible and slightly stimulatory. Conclusions: Lipid composition and preparation methods have minimal impact on the physical properties and in vitro release profiles of natamycin liposomes. These vesicles provide a dose-dependent, biocompatible platform for the controlled delivery of antifungals, showing significant in vitro inhibitory activity against Candida growth and biofilm formation. Full article

Background: Antifungal resistance among Candida species represents a growing clinical challenge, particularly in the context of increasing prevalence of non-albicans species. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 747 fungal isolates collected between 2021 and 2026, evaluating species distribution, antifungal susceptibility profiles, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) patterns, and temporal trends in resistance. Results: Non-albicans Candida species accounted for 67.5% of isolates, exceeding the proportion of Candida albicans. Fluconazole and flucytosine exhibited the highest resistance rates (16.1% and 17.4%, respectively), while amphotericin B showed the highest susceptibility rate (82.1%). MIC analysis revealed elevated MIC90 values for azoles in Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, consistent with reduced susceptibility. A significant association between antifungal agent and susceptibility profile was observed (χ² = 33.81, p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.205). Temporal analysis demonstrated fluctuating resistance patterns rather than a consistent increase over time. Multidrug resistance was uncommon (2.5%), although non-susceptibility to multiple agents was more frequent (20.3%). Conclusions: The study highlights substantial variability in antifungal susceptibility across Candida species and antifungal agents, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance and species-specific treatment strategies. Full article

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing incidence of cancer have highlighted the urgent need to develop new drugs; therefore, the discovery of new bioactive molecules is an important goal for future research. In this study, freshwater fungi isolated from submerged Phragmites australis from Egypt were screened for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Using ITS1 and ITS4 primers, eight frequently occurring Sordariomycetes taxa were identified and were then selected for further evaluation of bioactivity. Ethyl acetate crude extracts (A–H) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity using the agar disk-diffusion method. Extracts A and E, derived from Chaetomium globosum SCUF0000404 (PX596738) and Chaetomium madrasense SCUF0000401 (PX596735), respectively, showed broad-spectrum activity at 100 mg/mL against bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (15.33 and 18.00 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615 (11.00 mm), Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 (10.33 and 10.67 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603 (14.00 and 16.67 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (13.33 and 16.33 mm), and show antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 (20.33 mm), Candida krusei ATCC 6258 (15.67 and 15.33 mm), Trichosporon asahii AMS 187 (17.00 and 17.67 mm), Exserohilum rostratum AMS 1077 (34.00 and 33.67 mm), and Trichophyton indotineae AMS 180 (38.33 and 34.00 mm). Selective cytotoxic effects on the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were observed by extracts A and E at IC₅₀ = 309 and 277 μg/mL, while non-selective cytotoxic effects on the normal HUVEC cell line were found with IC₅₀ = 919 and 796 μg/mL, respectively. Characterization of the most effective extracts A and E by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) shows that they have a wide range of secondary metabolites, including cytochalasans, azaphilone alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. These findings underscore the chemical diversity and therapeutic potential of freshwater fungi from Egypt. Full article

Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have emerged as significant opportunistic pathogens due to their reduced susceptibility to antifungal agents combined with their strong ability to form biofilms. The severity of systemic candidiasis caused by NAC species highlights the need for novel antifungal strategies. Retinoids, a group of compounds derived from vitamin A, have been demonstrated to possess significant antifungal activity against the reference strain C. albicans ATCC 2091. This study aimed to assess the antifungal potential of three retinoids, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), trifarotene, and tazarotene, against NAC clinical isolates. Various concentrations of the retinoids (from 1 mM to 0.06 mM) were tested in vitro against the growth, adhesion, and biofilm development of NAC species, including Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis, as well as a reference strain of C. auris (CDC B11903). At 1 mM, all three compounds maximally inhibited the growth, adhesion, and biofilm formation of all tested NAC species. At lower concentrations (0.5–0.06 mM), C. krusei remained the most susceptible, especially to tazarotene. Tazarotene also showed a strong inhibitory effect on C. auris and C. glabrata at 0.5–0.25 mM; however, this effect was weaker than that observed against C. krusei. At low concentrations (0.12–0.06 mM), only trifarotene induced a mild but statistically significant inhibition of C. tropicalis growth. Trifarotene at 0.5 mM was also the most effective retinoid in inhibiting C. glabrata and C. tropicalis adherence and biofilm formation, with inhibitory activity maintained even at sub-0.5 mM concentrations (0.25–0.12 mM). Overall, the results suggest that all three retinoids exhibited dose-dependent and species-specific antifungal activity against NAC species, supporting their potential as novel, tailored antifungal agents against drug-resistant Candida strains. Full article

The emergence of drug-resistant Candida species has intensified efforts to discover novel bioactive compounds. Antarctic environments harbor psychrophilic microorganisms that produce unique secondary metabolites adapted to extreme conditions, making them valuable natural resources for drug discovery. During the 2020 Antarctic Scientific Expedition, we collected 19 sediment samples from the South Shetland Islands and isolated 14 fungal strains belonging to Cladosporium, Oidiodendron, Penicillium, Pseudeurotium, and Pseudogymnoascus genera. Total organic extracts obtained from 21-day cultures were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against pathogenic yeasts and bacteria. Oidiodendron sp. (ECA57-20) and Pseudogymnoascus sp. (ECA57-61) demonstrated strong anti-Candida activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 7.81 to 62.5 µg/mL against C. albicans, Pichia kudriavzevii (C. krusei), C. tropicalis, Nakaseomyces glabratus (C. glabrata), and Clavispora lusitaniae (C. lusitaniae). GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry) metabolomic profiling suggests a broad diversity of secondary metabolites across active strains, which may contribute to the observed biological activities. These findings support the potential of Antarctic fungi as sources of alternative antifungal agents. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Cordia verbenacea essential oil (EOCV) and to develop and characterize a gel-based nanoemulsion of C. verbenacea essential oil (NECV). Methods: The EOCV was chemically characterized by gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC-MS). The nanoemulsion was prepared using EOCV, the surfactants Cremophor and Plurol Oleique, and phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, and was subjected to experiments to determine its stability, irritant potential and in vitro skin permeation. Results: The main chemical compounds identified in EOCV were α-pinene (33.05%) and β-caryophyllene (25.11%). The EOCV exhibited antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC values ranging from 6.3 to 25.0 µL/mL for the yeasts Candida albicans and C. krusei, 11.3 to 25.0 µL/mL for the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and 12.5 to 75.0 µL/mL for the Gram-negative bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The NECV showed a droplet size of 126.80 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.49, a zeta potential of −18.50 mV and a pH of 5.3 and remained stable for 60 days of storage at 25 °C and 4 °C. The HET-CAM irritation test showed that the formulation is non-irritating. The in vitro skin permeation assay showed that the NECV penetrated the deeper layers of the skin, demonstrating its ability to overcome the Stratum corneum barrier. Conclusions: These results are highly promising regarding the potential use of NECV for topical application for the treatment of infected skin wounds. Full article

Brazil is home to one of the greatest biodiversities on the planet, with numerous plant species with unexplored pharmacological potential. In this study, the antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of crude extracts obtained from the seeds of Sterculia foetida L., Bulbostylis capillaris (L.) Kunth ex CB Clarke, and Pouteria caimito (Ruiz & Pav.) Radlk were investigated. The previously dehydrated seeds were subjected to extraction with physiological saline (saline extract), hexane (hexane extract) and sequential extraction with hexane followed by saline (hexane-saline extract). To determine antifungal activity via disk diffusion assays, broth microdilution based on the CLSI and evaluation of cellular specificity (EC₅₀) by redox metabolism with resazurin were performed on C. albicans ATCC 14053, C. albicans ATCC 24433 and non-albicans species Candida krusei ATCC 6258 and C. glabrata ATCC 22019. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in mouse bone marrow cells by determining the cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀/24 h). The selectivity index (SI) was calculated as the ratio between CC₅₀ and EC₅₀. Statistical analysis of the data was performed via ANOVA, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Saline, hexane, and hexane—saline extracts of S. foetida, as well as the saline extract of B. capillaris, showed selectivity indices higher than those of ketoconazole against C. albicans and C. krusei. With respect to C. glabrata, only the saline extract of B. capillaris demonstrated greater selectivity than the reference drug. All P. caimito extracts presented lower EC₅₀/24 h values than did ketoconazole but presented a low selectivity index, suggesting high cellular toxicity. The results obtained demonstrate that the crude extracts of S. foetida and B. capillaris seeds have significant antifungal activity and represent promising sources of bioactive compounds. Future studies should focus on the purification, isolation, and characterization of the active principles responsible for the observed activity. Full article

HTD1265 is a newly identified antifungal compound that displays potent activity against Candida krusei, a clinically challenging non-albicans species. To elucidate its mechanism of action, we applied an integrative phenotypic approach combining high-resolution morphological profiling, pathway inference, and genetic validation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Morphological signature extraction revealed a characteristic defect in nuclear positioning upon HTD1265 treatment. Integration of nuclear positioning traits with global morphological similarity highlighted 36 genes enriched for the Gene Ontology term “tubulin complex assembly.” Consistent with this prediction, HTD1265 impaired mitotic spindle elongation without directly inhibiting tubulin polymerization. HTD1265 further induced hallmarks of GimC (prefoldin) deficiency, including aberrant chitin accumulation, actin disorganization, and nuclear mispositioning, and caused hypersensitivity in GimC subunit mutants. These converging observations suggest that HTD1265 exerts antifungal activity by disrupting GimC-dependent cellular processes rather than by directly targeting tubulin. Our findings highlight GimC-dependent cytoskeletal and cell wall regulatory processes as a critical vulnerability for fungal growth and position HTD1265 as a functional tool for dissecting this pathway. Full article

The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida spp. necessitates the development of new antifungal strategies. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), already widely used in the treatment of various oral infections, is based on the synergistic interaction of three key elements: a photosensitizer capable of selectively binding to microbial cells, a light source with the appropriate wavelength, and the presence of molecular oxygen. This interaction results in the production of singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen species, responsible for the selective destruction of microorganisms. In recent years, numerous natural compounds have been explored as potential photosensitizers. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, was recently recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a medicinal substance thanks to its soothing, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties, which have also been documented in regard to oral administration. Materials and Methods: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of activated olive oil as a novel photosensitizer in PDT against Candida species. Oral MDR clinical isolates of C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata were analyzed using the Kirby–Bauer method according to EUCAST protocols. Six different experimental conditions were considered for each strain: (i) 100 μL of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO); (ii) 100 μL of EVOO pre-activated with 3% H₂O₂ (EVOO-H); (iii) 100 μL of EVOO irradiated for 5 min with polarized light (480–3400 nm, 25 W); (iv) 100 μL of EVOO-H subjected to the same polarized light; (v) 100 μL of EVOO irradiated for 5 min with a 660 nm diode laser (100 mW); and (vi) 100 μL of EVOO-H irradiated with the same laser. All plates were incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. Results: The results showed a variable response among the different Candida species. C. glabrata showed sensitivity to all experimental conditions, with a 50% increase in the diameter of the inhibition zone in the presence of polarized light. C. krusei showed no sensitivity under any of the conditions tested. C. albicans showed antifungal activity exclusively when EVOO-H was activated by light. In particular, activation of EVOO and EVOO-H with polarized light resulted in the largest inhibition zones. Conclusions: In conclusion, olive oil, both alone and pre-activated with hydrogen peroxide, can be considered an effective photosensitizer against drug-resistant Candida spp., especially when combined with polarized light. Full article

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients frequently experience alterations in the oral environment following radiotherapy, including xerostomia and impaired mucosal integrity, which may favour fungal overgrowth. This study aimed to characterise oral Candida colonisation in radiotherapy-treated HNC patients and compare it with that of healthy individuals. Unstimulated saliva samples from 61 HNC patients and 100 controls were cultured on chromogenic agar, and isolates were identified using API 20C AUX or MALDI-TOF. Salivary flow was measured to quantify xerostomia. A representative subset of isolates (10 per group) underwent antifungal susceptibility testing by disk diffusion according to CLSI/EUCAST criteria. Candida colonisation was significantly higher in HNC patients than in controls (64.6% vs. 20%, p < 0.001), with greater species diversity and increased detection of non-albicans yeasts, including C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. All HNC patients exhibited reduced salivary flow. Azole resistance was more frequent among HNC isolates (26%) than among controls (10%), whereas all isolates remained susceptible to amphotericin B and nystatin. These findings indicate that radiotherapy-associated xerostomia substantially alters the oral mycobiota and underscore the importance of routine species-level identification and antifungal susceptibility testing in HNC patients to guide clinical decision-making. Full article

Candida spp. are important opportunistic human fungal pathogens. This study aimed to identify and characterize Candida spp. obtained from patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), focusing on virulence attributes and susceptibility to antifungal agents. A total of 131 isolates from oral and tracheobronchial secretions of adult ICU patients were evaluated. Phenotypic identification was performed using chromogenic culture media for Candida, followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, with representative isolates confirmed by ITS sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B was determined only by the agar disk diffusion method, and virulence was assessed through esterase, DNase, protease, and hemolytic activity assays. C. albicans was the prevalent species, followed by C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis, C. lusitaniae, and C. guilliermondii. Antifungal resistance rates reached 51.1% for fluconazole, 42.7% for ketoconazole, and 19.1% for amphotericin B, as determined by disk diffusion method. Overall, 64.9% of the isolates exhibited esterase activity, 18.3% DNase, 45.8% protease, and 67.2% exhibited hemolytic activity. Oral isolates were more frequent than tracheal isolates and demonstrated a higher prevalence of antifungal resistance and virulence traits. These findings underscore the epidemiological importance of characterizing Candida species in hospitals to better understand the yeast profile and to support adequate clinical management. Full article

Background: In the last decade, infections caused by Candida species have increased. Although C. albicans remains the most predominant species, fungal infections caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have also been rising. This study aimed to determine which Candida spp. are most frequently associated with oral candidiasis. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The search used the keyword combination “candida spp” AND “oral candidiasis” AND “oral isolates” and included articles published between 2013 and 31 October 2025. Results: A total of 658 articles were identified, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Across these studies, 12,750 isolates were reported. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 81.7% of all isolates. NAC species were detected at lower frequencies, including C. tropicalis (7.2%), C. glabrata (4.5%), C. krusei (4.1%), C. parapsilosis (1.0%), C. dubliniensis (0.8%), C. kefyr (0.2%), C. guilliermondii (0.1%), C. lusitaniae (0.1%), and other rare or unidentified species (0.2%). The increasing prevalence of Candida infections is associated with a growing population of immunocompromised individuals, and treatment remains challenging due to rising antifungal resistance. Conclusions: Although C. albicans remains the most prevalent, the appearance of NAC species is gradually increasing. With the increase of Candida spp. resistant to conventional antifungal agents and with the competitive or synergistic interaction between Candida spp., it is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches. Full article

This study evaluated the in vitro interaction of 5-fluorouridine (5-FUrd) with antifungal drugs and examined the role of efflux pumps in 5-FUrd resistance. Eleven reference Candida strains and twenty-three clinical C. albicans isolates from gynecological patients were tested. The antifungal activity of 5-FUrd alone and in combination with amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and flucytosine was assessed using the checkerboard microdilution method. Efflux pump activity was evaluated using two inhibitors: carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and verapamil. 5-FUrd exhibited antifungal activity against both the reference and clinical Candida strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.1 µg/mL to 409.6 µg/mL. The checkerboard assays revealed primarily no interactions in the reference Candida strains, whereas the reference C. albicans and clinical C. albicans isolates showed notable synergy between 5-FUrd and fluconazole, voriconazole, or caspofungin. The efflux pump inhibitors reduced the MICs of 5-FUrd in the resistant strains of C. lusitaniae, C. kefyr, and particularly C. krusei, suggesting efflux-mediated resistance mechanisms. This study highlights the potential of 5-FUrd, alone or combined with azoles or caspofungin, as an adjunct therapy against Candida infections. It also suggests that reduced susceptibility may be linked to efflux pump activity in certain strains. Full article