ATR-FTIR spectroscopic markers indicating drug resistance in selected Candida strains

Abstract

The rising incidence of fungal infections and the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance highlight the need for rapid and reliable diagnostic methods. This study investigates the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to identify spectroscopic markers of drug resistance in selected Candida strains. In this pilot study, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was employed to analyse the biochemical composition of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida dubliniensis isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antibiotics were determined using antibiotic concentration gradient strips, and the spectral data were processed to identify differences between resistant and sensitive isolates. Based on the results for Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida dubliniensis, specific ATR-FITR spectroscopic markers of drug resistance were identified, highlighting the necessity for these markers to be antibiotic-specific. Despite the study's limitations the findings underscore the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in identifying spectroscopic markers of antifungal resistance. These preliminary results provide a foundation for further research, which could lead to the development of rapid diagnostic tools for detecting drug-resistant Candida strains, thereby improving the management and treatment of fungal infections.