Evaluation of the interaction of biofilms mono and dual-species of Candida spp and dermatophytes photodynamic therapy combined with 2-chalcone

Abstract

Dermatomycoses are mainly caused by fungi of the dermatophyte family and yeast species of the genera Candida. Dermatophytosis is a superficial infection of keratinized structures such as skin, hair and nails caused by filamentous fungi of the family Arthrodermataceae. The main genera are Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton. Among the yeast, some species of the genus Candida are normal human microbiota and may become pathogenic in case of internal and external factors causing candidiasis, most common fungal disease in the world. Dermatophytes and Candida species can form biofilms increasing virulence, drug resistance and consequently persistence of infection. In clinical practice, there are reports of mixed infection between Candida and dermatophytes associated with superficial mycoses. Previous studies have shown an antagonistic interaction between T. rubrum and C. albicans/C. parapsilosis biofilms, with inhibition of T. rubrum growth but in contrast inhibition of Candida species filamentation especially C. albicans. To date was not discovered drug able to eradicate the fungal biofilms at therapeutic concentrations. Chalcones are natural plant products that have potential antimicrobial activities and photosensitizing properties. Photodynamic therapy is a promising modality because its effectiveness against a wide range of microorganism, as photodynamic inactivation may occur in sensitive or resistant strains to conventional drugs. Thus, this work intends to study the interaction of dermatophytes and Candida species, mainly C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, with verification of the factors that act on dual-species biofilms. On the other hand, to evaluate the antibiofilm capacity of 2-chalcone without and with the combination of photodynamic therapy in Candida and dermatophyte monoespécies and mixed biofilms, and to verify the mechanism of antifungal action of 2-chalcone. It is expected that to be identified the metabolite (s) capable (s) to act on the interaction between both fungi during biofilm condition and that 2-chalcone is a potent and inexpensive therapeutic alternative for the treatment of Dermatophytosis. (AU)