Dodonaea viscosavar.angustifoliaInhibits Germ Tube and Biofilm Formation byC. albicans

Abstract

The virulence factors ofCandida albicansare germ tube and biofilm formation, adherence to host tissues, and production of hydrolytic enzymes. This study investigated the effect ofDodonaea viscosavar.angustifoliaextract on the germ tube and biofilm formation ofC. albicans. Serum containing the three subinhibitory concentrations of leaf extract was inoculated withC. albicans, incubated, and viewed under a light microscope. Number of cells with germ tube was recorded and the results were analysed using Scheffe test for pairwise comparison. Biofilms were grown on coverslips in the presence of plant extracts and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Planktonic cells were grown in the presence of plant extract for 6 h and processed for electron microscopy (TEM). The crude plant extract significantly (P<0.01) reduced the germ tube formation ofC. albicansat 3.125 (85.36%), 1.56 (61.91%), and 0.78 mg/mL (26.27%) showing a concentration dependent effect. SEM results showed concentration dependent reduction in biofilm and hyphae formation. TEM results showed that the plant extract caused damage to the cell wall and cell membrane. DVA extract has ability to reduce virulence ofC. albicansby inhibiting germ tube and biofilm formation through damage to the cell wall. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential.