Novel synthetic anti-fungal tripeptide effective against Candida krusei.
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Date
2015-01
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Abstract
Introduction: Candida species are the major fungal pathogens of humans. Among them, Candida krusei have emerged
as a notable pathogen with a spectrum of clinical manifestations and is known to develop resistance against azoles
mainly fl uconazole. Anti-microbial peptides play important roles in the early mucosal defence against infection and
are potent anti-fungal agents since they fi ght against fungal infection as well as have ability to regulate host immune
defence system. The aim of the study was to synthesize a small anti fungal peptide. Materials and Methods: The
series of tripeptides were synthesized and screened for antifungal activity against Candida strains according to CLSI
guidelines. Toxicity effect of peptide was tested with human erythrocytes. The mode of action of peptide on fungus was
resolved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies Results: The tripeptide FAR showed a prominent anti fungal
activity among the series. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of tripeptide
FAR was found to be 171.25 μg/ml and 685 μg/ml, respectively against Candida krusei. The therapeutic index was
2.9. The haemolytic experiment revealed that this peptide is non - toxic to human cells. The SEM studies showed
disruption of cell wall and bleb-like surface changes and irregular cell surface. Conclusion: The peptide showed a
signifi cant antifungal activity against C. krusei. Thus, it can set a platform for the design of new effective therapeutic
agents against C. krusei.
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Keywords
Anti-fungal, Candida krusei, tripeptide electron microscopy
Citation
Gill K , Kumar S, Xess I, Dey S. Novel synthetic anti-fungal tripeptide effective against Candida krusei. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2015 Jan-Mar ; 33 (1): 110-116.