Candida albicans Adhesion to and Invasion and Damage of Vaginal Epithelial Cells: Stage-Specific Inhibition by Clotrimazole and Bifonazole

Abstract

ABSTRACTClotrimazole and bifonazole are highly effective antifungal agents against mucosalCandida albicansinfections. Here we examined the effects of low levels of clotrimazole and bifonazole on the ability ofC. albicansto adhere, invade, and damage vaginal epithelial cells. Although adhesion and invasion were not affected, damage was greatly reduced upon azole treatment. This clearly indicates that low levels of azoles influence specific activities ofC. albicansduring distinct stages of vaginal epithelium infections.