Candida glabrata biofilm development on medical devices is modulated by the presence of alternative carbon sources.

Abstract

Candida species are the most common cause of fungal infection in humans. Their capacity to cause disease is dependent on the ability to grow within the human host environment and to assimilate the carbon sources available. Previous studies have shown that the presence of alternative carbon sources influence the behaviour of these fungal pathogens, suggesting that some carboxylic acid transporters have a crucial role in biofilm formation and resistance to antifungal drugs (Mota et al, 2015; Alves et al, 2017). Medical device-associated biofilms are clinically important due to their intrinsic and prevalent resistance to conventional antifungal drugs and immune system. Here we investigated the formation of Candida glabrata biofilms on medical devices, more specifically on polyurethane catheters, and the role of carboxylic acid transporters in this process, under distinct growth conditions and environmental stimuli. By clarifying the effect of host nutrients on biofilm formation and antifungal resistance, new and effective treatment strategies can be developed for catheter-related bloodstream infections sustained by Candida glabrata.