Pulsed electric field-assisted sensitization of multidrug-resistant Candida albicans to antifungal drugs

Abstract

Aim: Determine the influence of pH on the inactivation efficiency of C. albicans in pulsed electric fields (PEF) and the evaluate the possibilities for sensitization of a drug-resistant strain to antifungal drugs. Materials & Methods: The effects of PEF (2.5 – 25 kVcm-1) with fluconazole, terbinafine and naftifine were analyzed at a pH range of 3.0–9.0. Membrane permeabilization was determined by flow cytometry and propidium iodide. Results: PEF induced higher inactivation of C. albicans at low pH and increased sensitivity to terbinafine and naftifine to which the strain was initially resistant. Up to 5 log reduction in cell survival was achieved. Conclusions: A proof of concept that electroporation can be used to sensitize drug-resistant microorganisms was presented, which is promising for treating biofilm-associated infections.