In silico and in vitro analysis of a new potential antifungal substance, 2-Bromo-Nphenylacetamide, against invasive candidiasis isolates

Abstract

Introduction: invasive candidiasis is related to high rates of morbidity and mortality. There are few classes of drugs available for the treatment of this type of infection and the index of resistant strains is increasing. Such circumstances highlight that the search for new pharmacotherapeutic alternatives is increasingly necessary. This study investigated 2-Bromo-N-phenylacetamide, a substance whose antifungal activity has not yet been reported. Objective: to evaluate its activity against invasive candidiasis isolates, by determining the minimum inhibitory and fungicide concentrations. Meth-odology: molecular docking was performed to investigate the possible mechanism of action of the substance. The substance was also associated with fluconazole, to assess the viability of the combination in clinical practice. The minimum inhibitory concen-trations ranged between 4 to 32 μg/mL, and it acts in a fungicidal way. Results: molec-ular docking suggests that 2-Bromo-N-phenylacetamide possibly acts on the fungal plasma membrane. And the association of 2-Bromo-N-phenylacetamide with flucon-azole against resistant strains showed an indifferent effect. Conclusion: further studies should be carried out to elucidate the potential of this substance, which may become a future drug candidate to treat invasive candidiasis and other fungal infections.