In vitro synergistic effects of metergoline and antifungal agents against Candida krusei

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2009

Abstract

Candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans caused by Candida species, most notably by C albicans, However, extensive uses of antifungal agents and rise in compromised host population have increased the non- albicans species related infections, particularly C. krusei, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Among these strains, C. krusei related infections have dramatically increased due to its intrinsic resistance to fluconazole and decreased susceptibility to amphotericin B. As a result, highest mortality rate (30-60%) has been observed in Candidal infections in association with C. krusei because of the chemotherapy failure. To search for novel antifungal agents, recent studies have been focused on developing novel antifungal agents from other sources. In this regard, serotonin and its reuptake inhibitors have been suggested as potential novel antifungal Candidates due to their efficacy against Candida and Aspergillus species. In the present study, metergoline, a serotonin receptor antagonist, was found having in vitro synergistic effect with amphotericin B (fractional inhibitory concentration index: 0.375) by a checkerboard assay. Metergoline also inhibited extracellular phospholipase production in a dose-dependent manner (>20% at 8 µg/ml), which may be a possible action mechanism of metergoline on C. krusei. Further genome-wide experiments are needed to investigate the molecular mechanism of metergoline and to harness its antifungal potential on C. krusei.

Source Publication

The 17th Congress of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, Shinjuku, Japan

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