| Journal: |
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
frontiersin.org
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| Abstract: |
Introduction: Candida albicans (C. albicans) can form biofilms; a critical
virulence factor that provides effective protection from commercial antifungals
and contributes to public health issues. The development of new antifungal
therapies, particularly those targeting biofilms, is imperative. Thus, this study was
conducted to investigate the antifungal and antibiofilm effects of Lactobacillus
salivarius (L. salivarius), zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) and nanocomposites (ZnNCs)
on C. albicans isolates from Nile tilapia, fish wash water and human fish sellers in
Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.
Methods: A cross-sectional study collected 300 samples from tilapia, fish wash
water, and fish sellers (100 each). Probiotic L. salivarius was immobilized with
ZnNPs to synthesize ZnNCs. The study assessed the antifungal and antibiofilm
activities of ZnNPs, L. salivarius, and ZnNCs compared to amphotericin (AMB).
Results: Candida spp. were detected in 38 samples, which included C. albicans
(42.1%), C. glabrata (26.3%), C. krusei (21.1%), and C. parapsilosis (10.5%). A total of
62.5% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antifungal agent, with the
highest resistance to nystatin (62.5%). However, 75% of the isolates were highly
susceptible to AMB. All C. albicans isolates exhibited biofilm-forming capabilities,
with 4 (25%) isolates showing strong biofilm formation. At least one virulenceassociated
gene (RAS1, HWP1, ALS3, or SAP4) was identified among the C.
albicans isolates. Probiotics L. salivarius, ZnNPs, and ZnNCs displayed
antibiofilm and antifungal effects against C. albicans, with ZnNCs showing
significantly higher inhibitory activity. ZnNCs, with a minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) of 10 μg/mL, completely reduced C. albicans biofilm gene
expression. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy images of C. albicans
biofilms treated with ZnNCs revealed asymmetric, wrinkled surfaces, cell
deformations, and reduced cell numbers.
Conclusion: This study identified virulent, resistant C. albicans isolates with
strong biofilm-forming abilities in tilapia, water, and humans, that pose
significant risks to public health and food safety.
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