Bioactivity, biostructure and morphology of Candida spp. biofilms grown in the preence of fluconazole

Author(s)

Priscila Nogueira Gomes

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba
• Defense date: 2011-02-17

Examining board members

Altair Antoninha Del Bel Cury; Marcos Ribeiro Moyses; João Gustavo Rabelo Ribeiro; Tatiana Pereira Cenci; Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia

• Advisor: Altair Antoninha Del Bel Cury

Abstract

Candida spp. biofilm formed on removable denture surfaces is considered the main etiologic factor of candidosis, being the C. albicans and C.glabrata the species most frequently found in this condition. The antifungic fluconazol (FLZ) is commonly used in the treatment of candidosis, however its success is limited due to the resistance developed by Candida to this medicament. Considering the importance of the structure and morphology of Candida biofilms in the candidosis, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of FLZ on the bioactivity, biostructure and morphology of Candida spp. biofilms formed in the presence of this antifungal agent. Specimens (10 mm x 2 mm) were fabricated using water bath poly(methylmethacrylate) resin (PMMA). Salivary pellicles were formed on the PMMA surface, and biofilms of a reference strain and two clinical isolates of C. albicans (ATCC 90028, P01, P34) and C. glabrata (ATCC 2001, P11, P31) were developed for a period of 48h. Two groups were formed: control and experimental. FLZ at 2.56 µg/mL, concentration bioavailable in saliva, was added to the medium of the experimental group. The culture mediums of the control and experimental groups were changed at 24 hours. The bioactivities of the biofilms were evaluated with XTT reduction colorimetric assay. The biostructure was analyzed by the Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy and the cell morphology analyzed by the Transmission Electron Microscopy. The data were analyzed by Student's t-test, with significance level set at 5%. The presence of FLZ decreased the bioactivity of all C. albicans biofilms (p<0.001), it did not change the structure and morphology of P34. As regards C. glabrata biofilms bioactivity and biostructure, no statistically significant differences were found between control and experimental groups for biofilms of all strains. It could be concluded that the alterations in bioactivity, biostructure and cell morphology in response to the treatment with fluconazole, bioavailable concentration present in saliva, depends on the Candida spp. strain (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/03210-8 - Formation and development of biofilm of Candida spp. on the surface of poly(methylmetacilate) containing resine in the presence of saliva, plasma and antifungic agent: effects on virulence factors, morphology and quantification of biofilm.
• Grantee: Priscila Nogueira Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate