title: Biofilm Formation and Susceptibility to Amphotericin B and Fluconazole in Candida albicans.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability of Candida albicans to form biofilms and adhere to host tissues and biomaterial surfaces is an important factor in its pathogenesis. One of the main characteristics of biofilms is their resistance to broad-spectrum anti-microbial drugs.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In the present study the formation of biofilm by C. albicans from different sources was evaluated. In addition, the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) for two antifungals was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 120 isolates of C. albicans from different sources (patients with vaginitis, patients with candiduria, bucal cavity and environmental surfaces) were collected. Biofilm formation was determined by the 96-well micro-titeration plate method. MBIC testing was also performed, using the calorimetric indicator resazurin for amphotericin B and fluconazole.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicated that 100% of C. albicans isolates from different sources had the ability to form biofilms in vitro. Amongst these isolates, 83.3% of isolates had the maximum potential (4+) to form biofilms, while only one (0.9%) of isolates had the minimum ability (1+) to form biofilms. Our results showed that 65.0% of the tested isolates are sensitive to amphotericin B at amounts lower than 10 µg/mL, while only 26.7% are sensitive to fluconazole (had MBIC < 10 µg/mL).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although biofilm formation was detected in all tested isolates, there were differences in the ability to form biofilms between isolates from different sources. In addition, there were differences in the MBIC against the two examined antifungals, amphotericin B and fluconazole.
authors.affiliation: Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran ; Department of Medical Mycology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zarei Mahmoudabadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Mycology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zarrin
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Mycology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Neda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kiasat
keywords: Amphotericin B; Candida albicans; Fluconazole