Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: FRANCISCO DE ASSIS BEZERRA NETO

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : FRANCISCO DE ASSIS BEZERRA NETO
DATE: 13/10/2025
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: VIDEOCONFERÊNCIA
TITLE:

Evaluation of antifungal activity and interference in the expression of virulence factors in vitro of the phytol molecule against Candida spp. isolates from bloodstream infections.

KEY WORDS:

Candida spp., virulence factors, candidemia, sinthethic antifungals, phytol.

PAGES: 104
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Farmácia
SUMMARY:

Background: Species of the genus Candida are responsible for the majority of

infections caused by fungal pathogens in humans, standing out as the most

frequent cause of opportunistic infections. Fungal infections represent one of the

main causes of death related to infectious diseases. In this context, Candida spp.

are highlighted as the main group of pathogens associated with invasive fungal

infections. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of

phytol against Candida spp. isolates obtained from patients with bloodstream

infections, as well as its interference with the expression of virulence factors.

Material and methods: A total of 50 Candida isolates from blood cultures were

analyzed, and the antifungal activity of the phytol solution was evaluated. Some

isolates were selected for assays on the expression of virulence factors in the

absence and presence of the phytol solution. Results: The tested isolates showed

growth inhibition in the presence of the phytol solution, with MICs ranging from

5000 to 10000 µg/mL. The strains treated with phytol exhibited reduced adhesion

capacity to oral epithelial cells, decreased biofilm production, and reduced

filamentation ability. Conclusion: The phytol solution demonstrated significant

antifungal activity, being able to interfere with the expression of virulence factors in

this group of yeasts. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the

underlying mechanism of action.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - ELIZABETH CRISTINA GOMES DOS SANTOS - PMN
Presidente - 1055045 - MARCELA ABBOTT GALVAO URURAHY
Externo à Instituição - WALICYRANISON PLINIO DA SILVA ROCHA - UFPB