Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antifungal potency of the moronecidin-like peptide against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the antifungal effect of moronecidin-like peptide, the protocol presented in CLSI M27-A3 and CLSI M27-S4 was used and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory effect of moronecidin-like peptide composition was 8 µg/ml for Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans and 32 µg/ml for Candida glabrata. The MIC of nystatin was determined to be 1.25 µg/ml for Candida glabrata and Candida albicans and 0.625 µg/ml for Candida tropicalis strains. The MFC composition of the moronecidin-like peptide was determined for Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans strains 8 µg/ml and for Candida glabrata strain 64 µg/ml. The results of cytotoxicity and hemolysis of the moronecidin peptide test on macrophage showed that moronecidin peptide has no cytotoxicity and toxicity properties. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, the moronecidin-like peptide could be a new strategy in the treatment of infections caused by Candida strains. The discovery of the exact mechanism of which requires extensive clinical studies in this field.