Activity and Toxicity of Farnesol towards Candida albicans Are Dependent on Growth Conditions

Authors

Melanie L. Langford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sahar Hasim, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kenneth W. Nickerson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Audrey L. Atkin, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2010

Comments

Published in ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY, Feb. 2010, p. 940–942, Copyright 2010 American Society for Microbiology, Used by Permission

Abstract

Farnesol interacts with Candida albicans as both a quorum-sensing molecule and toxic agent, but confusion abounds regarding which conditions promote these distinct responses. Farnesol sensitivity was measured when inoculum cell history and size, temperature, and growth media were altered. Parameters for farnesol tolerance/ sensitivity were defined, validating previous studies and identifying new variables, such as energy availability. This study clearly defines what farnesol concentrations are lethal to C. albicans, based on environmental conditions.