Journal of Glycobiology
Open Access

Effect of farnesol, a quorum sensing molecule on biofilm formation by Candida species

Glycobiology World Congress

August 10-12, 2015 Philadelphia, USA

Marwa Saad Mohammed Fathi

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Glycobiol

Abstract :

Candida is a dimorphic fungus that can be either commensal or an opportunistic pathogen. Candida has various virulence
traits that may cause diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to life-threatening systemic disorders. Biofilm
is a highly organized community of cells that is regulated by the exchange of chemical signals among cells in a process known
as quorum sensing (QS). Cells in the biofilm communicate via releasing chemical compounds, the quorum sensing molecules
(QSM) that act in concert reaching threshold densities that signal the initiation of coordinated cellular differentiation events.
Biofilms possess unique developmental characteristics that are in stark contrast to the characteristics of free-floating planktonic
cells. Farnesol is an extracellular QSM released by Candida species that inhibit the yeast-to-mycelium conversion, disseminate,
initiate infection and form biofilm. This strategy of cell-cell communication benefits the biofilm community by preventing and
controlling unnecessary overpopulation and competition for nutrients and has important implications for the infectious process.
The suppressive effect of farnesol on biofilm formation on polystyrene and its synergistic effect with fluconazole leading to the
sensitization of resistant strains indicate a potential application for farnesol as therapeutic agent in the future for the treatment or
prevention of biofilm related infections including device related infections and for promoting antimicrobial resistance reversal.