Integrated Approaches to Combat Candida parapsilosis: Essential Oils and Antiseptics

• Grant number: 23/17733-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Regina Helena Pires
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Brites Jardine
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increasing incidence of hospital infections caused by Candida parapsilosis requires innovative strategies for prevention and control. The combination of traditional antiseptics with plant compounds aims to maximize efficacy, minimize potential adverse effects, and contribute to more sustainable practices. Thus, evaluating the effectiveness of antiseptics such as chlorhexidine and triclosan, both individually and in combination with plant compounds like eucalyptol and thymol, against Candida parapsilosis is the objective of this project. Twelve isolates of C. parapsilosis, originally recovered from the hands of healthcare workers and cryopreserved, will be used. In vitro tests, such as the chessboard assay in 96-well microplates, will assess the efficacy of antiseptics and their combinations against the yeast. The project aims to contribute to the reduction of hospital infections caused by C. parapsilosis, promoting more effective and sustainable aseptic practices. The successful implementation of these strategies can lead to significant benefits for patient safety and infection management in hospital environments.