Promising activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Introduction. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are recognized for their development of resistance and biofilm formation. New therapeutic alternatives are necessary in this context. Hypothesis. Etomidate shows potential application in catheters against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Aim. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA. Methodology. The action of etomidate against mature biofilms was verified through the evaluation of biomass and cell viability, and its ability to prevent biofilm formation in peripheral venous catheters was determined based on counts of colony forming units (c.f.u.) and confirmed by morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. Etomidate generated a reduction (P<0.05) in biomass and cell viability starting from a concentration of 250 µg ml−1. In addition, it showed significant ability to prevent the formation of mixed biofilms in a peripheral venous catheter, as shown by a reduction in c.f.u. SEM revealed that treatment with etomidate caused substantial damage to the fungal cells. Conclusion. The results showed the potential of etomidate against polymicrobial biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA.