Enhancedin vitroantimicrobial activity of amphotericin B with berberine against dual-species biofilms ofCandida albicansandStaphylococcus aureus

Aims Multi-species biofilms formed by fungi and bacteria are clinically common and confer the commensal micro-organisms with protection against antimicrobial therapies. Previously, the plant alkaloid berberine was reported to show antimicrobial efficacy to eliminate bacterial and fungal biofilms. In this study, the combination of berberine and amphotericin B, an antifungal agent, was evaluated against dual-speciesCandida albicans/Staphylococcus aureusbiofilms. Methods and Results Combinatorial treatment by berberine and amphotericin B significantly reduced the biomass and viability of residing species in biofilms. Moreover, morphological examination revealed hyphal filamentation ofC. albicansand coadhesion betweenC. albicans/S. aureuswere considerably impaired by the treatment. These effects coincided with the reduced expression of cell surface components and quorum-sensing-related genes in bothC. albicansandS. aureus. Additionally, inC. albicans, the core transcription factors for controlling biofilm formation together with a crucial component of dual-species biofilms were also downregulated. Conclusions These results demonstrated synergistic effects of berberine and amphotericin B againstC. albicans/S. aureusdual-species biofilms. Significance and Impact of the Study This study confirms the potential of berberine and amphotericin B for treating theC. albicans/S. aureusbiofilms related infections and reveals molecular basis for the efficacy of combinatorial treatment.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated the synergistic effects of berberine and amphotericin B against dual-species Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, showing significant reduction in biomass and viability of the residing species. Morphological examination revealed impaired coadhesion between the two species and downregulation of key genes involved in biofilm formation. These findings confirm the potential of the combinatorial treatment for treating infections related to Candida albicans/Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and provided molecular insights into its efficacy.