EFFECTIVENESS OF BIOCIDES AGAINST Candida parapsilosis AND Staphylococcus aureus USING DISC-BASED QUANTITATIVE CARRIER TEST AND EX-VIVO MODEL

• Grant number: 23/17649-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Preventive Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Regina Helena Pires
• Grantee: Regina Helena Pires
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Gil Benard

Abstract

Candida parapsilosis is a fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to global health due to its ability to induce serious infections, often resulting in high mortality rates in several countries. Clearly, infection prevention strategies, including rigorous hand and environmental disinfection, are crucial to controlling Candida transmission. However, there is increasing recognition of the association between antimicrobial use and the proliferation of resistant species, particularly multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data on the effectiveness of biocides commonly used in healthcare settings against these pathogens. The objective of this study will be to examine the effectiveness of biocides, developed for hospital use, against C. parapsilosis and S. aureus in planktonic forms and in monospecies biofilm through in vitro and ex-vivo approaches. Isolates of C. parapsilosis obtained from the hands of hospital workers and the hospital environment and the Staphylococcus aureus strain MRSA ATCC 33592 will be used. The in vitro tests to be used will include the quantitative disk support test (dry drop) as well as the test of biofilm dry on support. Circular glass coverslips measuring 13mm in diameter deposited in 12-well microplates will serve as a support function. Furthermore, an ex-vivo pig skin model will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of antiseptics. This study will provide valuable information about ongoing efforts to prevent infections, emphasizing the need to maintain a comprehensive approach to hygiene protocols in healthcare settings. (AU)