Application of Probiotic Yeasts on Candida Species Associated Infection

Abstract

Superficial and life-threatening invasive Candida infections are a major clinical challenge in hospitalized and immuno-compromised patients. Emerging drug-resistance among Candida species is exacerbated by the limited availability of antifungals and their associated side-effects. In the current review, we discuss the application of probiotic yeasts as a potential alternative/ combination therapy against Candida infections. Preclinical studies have identified several probiotic yeasts that effectively inhibit virulence of Candida species, including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei and Candida auris. However, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is the only probiotic yeast commercially available. In addition, clinical studies have further confirmed the in vitro and in vivo activity of the probiotic yeasts against Candida species. Probiotics use a variety of protective mechanisms, including posing a physical barrier, the ability to aggregate pathogens and render them avirulent. Secreted metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids effectively inhibit the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida species. Overall, the probiotic yeasts could be a promising effective alternative or combination therapy for Candida infections. Additional studies would bolster the application of probiotic yeasts.

Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris

“…Another alternative method that has successfully passed preclinical and clinical trials in the case of C. albicans infection is the use of yeast-based probiotics [313][314][315][316]. It has been shown that Saccharomyces boulardi secreted into the medium active compounds, such as caproic acid, which reduce the virulence of C. albicans mainly by inhibiting the production of hyphae [314].…”

“…It has been shown that Saccharomyces boulardi secreted into the medium active compounds, such as caproic acid, which reduce the virulence of C. albicans mainly by inhibiting the production of hyphae [314]. Also, in the case of other Candida species, it has been shown that two strains of probiotic yeast-Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia occidentalis-were shown to be able to inhibit adhesion to both abiotic surfaces and epithelial cells, inhibit morphological changes and biofilm formation, i.e., not only by C. tropicalis and C. auris species but also by mixed biofilms coproduced with C. albicans [315,316]. Interestingly, the action of S. cerevisiae and I. occidentalis was more potent than that of S. boulardi, which best inhibited the biofilm of C. albicans [314][315][316].…”

“…Also, in the case of other Candida species, it has been shown that two strains of probiotic yeast-Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia occidentalis-were shown to be able to inhibit adhesion to both abiotic surfaces and epithelial cells, inhibit morphological changes and biofilm formation, i.e., not only by C. tropicalis and C. auris species but also by mixed biofilms coproduced with C. albicans [315,316]. Interestingly, the action of S. cerevisiae and I. occidentalis was more potent than that of S. boulardi, which best inhibited the biofilm of C. albicans [314][315][316]. Furthermore, in vivo studies using the Caenorhabditis elegans model showed that exposure of nematodes to probiotic yeast protected them from infection, while the use of probiotic yeast fungal infection reduced intestinal colonization by C. tropicalis [316].…”

Candida auris: A Quick Review on Identification, Current Treatments, and Challenges

“…The only probiotic yeast commercially available is S. cerevisiae var . boulardii , aggregated to pathogens and able reduce their virulence through inhibiting the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida spp., and could be promising therapeutic options [ 106 ].…”

Fungi and Fungal Metabolites for the Improvement of Human and Animal Nutrition and Health

“…This work summarizes the participation of S. boulardii in these mechanisms and the multifactorial nature by which this yeast modulates the host microbiome and intestinal function. The second paper assigned to probiotics, written by Kunyeit et al [ 19 ], summarize how probiotic yeasts can be applied against Candida species associated infections. Superficial and life-threatening invasive Candida infections are a major clinical challenge in hospitalized and immuno-compromised patients.…”