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Standardized method for in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida albicans biofilms

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2001 Sep;45(9):2475-9. doi: 10.1128/AAC.45.9.2475-2479.2001.

Abstract

Candida albicans is implicated in many biomaterial-related infections. Typically, these infections are associated with biofilm formation. Cells in biofilms display phenotypic traits that are dramatically different from those of their free-floating planktonic counterparts and are notoriously resistant to antimicrobial agents. Consequently, biofilm-related infections are inherently difficult to treat and to fully eradicate with normal treatment regimens. Here, we report a rapid and highly reproducible microtiter-based colorimetric assay for the susceptibility testing of fungal biofilms, based on the measurement of metabolic activities of the sessile cells by using a formazan salt reduction assay. The assay was used for in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of several C. albicans strains grown as biofilms against amphotericin B and fluconazole and the increased resistance of C. albicans biofilms against these antifungal agents was demonstrated. Because of its simplicity, compatibility with a widely available 96-well microplate platform, high throughput, and automation potential, we believe this assay represents a promising tool for the standardization of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of fungal biofilms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Cell Count
  • Colorimetry
  • Fluconazole / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Fluconazole