Introduction
Invasive candidiasis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among patients suffering from severe immunodeficiency which is commonly caused by Candida albicans. However, the incidence of candidiasis caused by non- C. albicans species, such as Candida parapsilosis, is increasing. Postantifungal effect (PAFE) is significant for establishing dosage schedules in antifungal therapy, as the frequency of antifungal administration could change depending on PAFE.
Aim
To assess the PAFE of anidulafungin against C. albicans, C dubliniensis, C africana, C. parapsilosis, C metapsilosis and C orthopsilosis.
Methodology
This study evaluated 21 Candida clinical isolates and culture collection strains. Cells were exposed for 1 hour to anidulafungin at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 8 mg/L for PAFE studies and time-kill experiments (TK) were also performed at the same concentrations. The experiments were performed using an inoculum of 1–5 × 105 cells/mL and 48 h incubation. Readings of PAFE and TK were made at 0, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h.
Results
Anidulafungin (2 mg/L) exhibited a prolonged and significant PAFE (≥33.6 h) against most strains of C. albicans related species (93%).
Fungicidal endpoint was achieved against 2 out of 14 (14%) strains of C. albicans related species in PAFE experiments.
Fungicidal endpoint was attained against 1 out of 7 (14%) strains of C. parapsilosis complex, being PAFE prolonged (≥42 h) against 6 out of 7 (86%) strains.
Mean anidulafungin PAFE against C. albicans related species (39.6±26.81 h) (2 mg/L) did not differ from that one against C. parapsilosis complex (37.6± 14.32 h) (8 mg/L) (see Figs. 1 and 2).
Conclusion
Anidulafungin induced a significant and prolonged PAFE against the species closely related to C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.
Source: Gil-Alonso S, Quindós G, Eraso E, Jauregizar N. Postantifungal effect of anidulafungin against Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida africana, Candida parapsilosis, Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis. Rev Esp Quimioter. 2019;32(2):183–188.
