Abstract
Fungal pathogens of the genus Candida form biofilms on catheters and prosthetic devices. These threedimensional structures composed of yeast and hyphal cells embedded in an extracellular matrix constitute an important pitfall in the management of disseminated Candida infections because of their intrinsic resistance to almost all antifungals in clinical use. Candida biofilms are especially resistant to azoles and amphotericin B but remain sensitive to the newly introduced echinocandins that target cell wall β-glucan biosynthesis. Antifungal resistance of biofilms results most probably from the conjunction of several mechanisms that act in a time-dependent manner. While drug efflux is likely to contribute to resistance during the early phases of biofilm formation, changes in the sterol composition of membranes might explain the resistance of mature biofilms. The original physiology of mature Candida biofilms is mirrored by specific gene expression patterns that may pinpoint genes important for the acquisition of pleiotropic antifungal resistance.
Keywords: Biofilm, azole, caspofungin, echinocandin, amphotericin B, multi-drug resistance, efflux, sterol
Current Drug Targets
Title: Biofilms and their Role in the Resistance of Pathogenic Candida to Antifungal Agents
Volume: 7 Issue: 4
Author(s): Christophe d'Enfert
Affiliation:
Keywords: Biofilm, azole, caspofungin, echinocandin, amphotericin B, multi-drug resistance, efflux, sterol
Abstract: Fungal pathogens of the genus Candida form biofilms on catheters and prosthetic devices. These threedimensional structures composed of yeast and hyphal cells embedded in an extracellular matrix constitute an important pitfall in the management of disseminated Candida infections because of their intrinsic resistance to almost all antifungals in clinical use. Candida biofilms are especially resistant to azoles and amphotericin B but remain sensitive to the newly introduced echinocandins that target cell wall β-glucan biosynthesis. Antifungal resistance of biofilms results most probably from the conjunction of several mechanisms that act in a time-dependent manner. While drug efflux is likely to contribute to resistance during the early phases of biofilm formation, changes in the sterol composition of membranes might explain the resistance of mature biofilms. The original physiology of mature Candida biofilms is mirrored by specific gene expression patterns that may pinpoint genes important for the acquisition of pleiotropic antifungal resistance.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
d'Enfert Christophe, Biofilms and their Role in the Resistance of Pathogenic Candida to Antifungal Agents, Current Drug Targets 2006; 7 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945006776359458
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945006776359458 |
Print ISSN 1389-4501 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-5592 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Prosthetic Devices with Nanostructurated Surfaces for Increased Resistance to Microbial Colonization
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Continuous Infusion of Antibiotics in Critically Ill Patients
Current Clinical Pharmacology Gene Cloning and Homology Modeling of the 3-Oxoacyl-ACP Synthase from Aeromonas hydrophila for Drug Discovery
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nanoparticles in Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Characterization of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MYS14 Isolated from Sannas, a Traditional Fermented Food for its Therapeutic Potential
Current Nutrition & Food Science Optimization of Drug Safety Profile in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Through a Personalized Approach
Current Drug Targets Chemistry and Pharmacology of Natural Catechins from <i>Camellia sinensis</i> as Anti-MRSA Agents
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Candida parapsilosis Secreted Lipase as an Important Virulence Factor
Current Protein & Peptide Science Adherence to Secondary Prophylaxis for Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Current Cardiology Reviews Protective Effects of Astaxanthin on Nephrotoxicity in Rats with Induced Renovascular Occlusion
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Peculiarities of the Clinical Course of Oxidative Protein and Lipid Modification in Children with Acute Rheumatic Fever
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Therapeutic Modulation of Cytokines in Chronic Infectious Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Clopidogrel and Aspirin in Cardiovascular Medicine: Responders or Not -- Current Best Available Evidence
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Indications for Surgery and Operative Techniques in Infective Endocarditis in the Present Day
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets High-Level Aminoglycoside Resistance in Enterococcus Faecalis and Enterococcus Faecium; as a Serious Threat in Hospitals
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets Antifungal Therapy of Aspergillosis of the Central Nervous System and Aspergillus Endophthalmitis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Bacteremic Streptococcus pneumoniae in Community-Acquired Pneumonia: An Update
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews The Management of the Infected Diabetic Foot
Current Diabetes Reviews Pulmonary Complications After Congenital Heart Surgery
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Disseminated TB in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report
Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets