Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution

David, Helma; Solomon, Adline Princy

doi:10.3389/fcimb.2023.1245808

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 211 publications

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“…The yeast Candida can colonize the VMB as a commensal. This vaginal Candida colonization (CC) is more prevalent in case of elevated endogenous estrogen levels, such as during pregnancy ( 4 ). CC can transition from a commensal state to a pathogenic state—vulvovaginal candidiasis—under certain conditions that are incompletely understood ( 4 , 5 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This vaginal Candida colonization (CC) is more prevalent in case of elevated endogenous estrogen levels, such as during pregnancy ( 4 ). CC can transition from a commensal state to a pathogenic state—vulvovaginal candidiasis—under certain conditions that are incompletely understood ( 4 , 5 ). Clinical therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis is difficult due to the capacity of Candida to form biofilms ( 6 ) and withstand the host immune system ( 7 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Second trimester vaginal Candida colonization among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: prevalence, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes

Mulinganya,

De Keyser,

Mongane

et al. 2024

Front. Glob. Womens Health

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IntroductionVaginal Candida colonization (CC) can lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis, the second most prevalent vaginal condition worldwide, and has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, no data on CC in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are available. We investigated the prevalence, Candida species, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes in women with CC in the second trimester of pregnancy.Material and methodsIn Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pregnant women were recruited during antenatal care between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation from January 2017 to October 2017 and followed until delivery. Sociodemographics, sexual behavioral, hygienic and clinical characteristics, microbiological data and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Candida detection and speciation was performed with microscopy (Gram-stained smears and wet-mount) and/or quantitative PCR. Multivariate regression models were used to estimate the different associations with CC.ResultsThe prevalence of CC by wet mount, microscopy of Gram-stain smears and qPCR was 27.9%, 28.1% and 38.2%, respectively. C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida species (91.0%). Previous genital infections, an intermediate vaginal microbiota, bacterial vaginosis, and the use of pit toilets were risk factors for CC. Clinically, CC was associated with itching only. Women with CC had twice the odds for preterm birth, if Candida concentration was high, the odds were four times higher.ConclusionsIn Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the prevalence of CC was high and associated with microbiological and modifiable risk factors. Screening and treatment for CC during antenatal care should be investigated as a possible strategy to reduce preterm birth.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Second trimester vaginal Candida colonization among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: prevalence, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes

Mulinganya,

De Keyser,

Mongane

et al. 2024

Front. Glob. Womens Health

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Alstoscholarisine L, a novel caged monoterpenoid indole alkaloid with antifungal activity from Alstonia scholaris

Yu,

Ding,

Zhang

et al. 2025

Fitoterapia

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Mitigating candidiasis with acarbose by targeting Candida albicans α-glucosidase: in-silico, in-vitro and transcriptomic approaches

David,

Vasudevan,

Solomon

2024

Sci Rep

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Biofilm-associated candidiasis poses a significant challenge in clinical settings due to the limited effectiveness of existing antifungal treatments. The challenges include increased pathogen virulence, multi-drug resistance, and inadequate penetration of antimicrobials into biofilm structures. One potential solution to this problem involves the development of novel drugs that can modulate fungal virulence and biofilm formation, which is essential for pathogenesis. Resistance in Candida albicans is initiated by morphological changes from yeast to hyphal form. This transition triggers a series of events such as cell wall elongation, increased adhesion, invasion of host tissues, pathogenicity, biofilm formation, and the initiation of an immune response. The cell wall is a critical interface for interactions with host cells, primarily through various cell wall proteins, particularly mannoproteins. Thus, cell wall proteins and enzymes are considered potential antifungal targets. In this regard, we explored α-glucosidase as our potential target which plays a crucial role in processing mannoproteins. Previous studies have shown that inhibition of α-glucosidase leads to defects in cell wall integrity, reduced adhesion, diminished secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, alterations in immune recognition, and reduced pathogenicity. Since α-glucosidase, primarily converts carbohydrates, our study focuses on FDA-approved carbohydrate mimic drugs (Glycomimetics) with well-documented applications in various biological contexts. Through virtual screening of 114 FDA-approved carbohydrate-based drugs, a pseudo-sugar Acarbose, emerged as a top hit. Acarbose is known for its pharmacological potential in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus by targeting α-glucosidase. Our preliminary investigations indicate that Acarbose effectively inhibits C. albicans biofilm formation, reduces virulence, impairs morphological switching, and hinders the adhesion and invasion of host cells, all at very low concentrations in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanism of action of Acarbose, highlighting its role in targeting α-glucosidase.

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Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution

Cited by 5 publications

References 211 publications

Second trimester vaginal Candida colonization among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: prevalence, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes

Second trimester vaginal Candida colonization among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: prevalence, clinical correlates, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes

Alstoscholarisine L, a novel caged monoterpenoid indole alkaloid with antifungal activity from Alstonia scholaris

Mitigating candidiasis with acarbose by targeting Candida albicans α-glucosidase: in-silico, in-vitro and transcriptomic approaches

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