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Clinical Isolate of Candida tropicalis from a Patient in North Carolina: Identification, Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis, and Anticandidal Activity of Ganoderma lucidum

Summary

Researchers in North Carolina identified a drug-resistant yeast infection (Candida tropicalis) from a hospital patient and tested whether extracts from reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) could kill it. Using genetic analysis, they found mutations in the yeast that help it resist antifungal drugs. All three types of mushroom extracts tested successfully stopped the yeast’s growth and damaged its cells, suggesting that reishi mushrooms could be a promising natural treatment option for hard-to-treat candida infections.

Background

Candida infections are rising in North Carolina and pose a significant threat to human health in clinical settings. The emergence of antifungal drug resistance has heightened concerns, and misidentification of Candida species may result in underdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Exploration of natural products like Ganoderma lucidum for anticandidal activity could provide promising new treatment options.

Objective

This study aimed to identify Candida species to the species level from a clinical isolate using biochemical and molecular techniques, perform whole genome sequencing to identify resistance-associated polymorphisms, and investigate the anticandidal activity of three solvent extracts of Ganoderma lucidum against the clinical isolate.

Results

Candida tropicalis MYA-3404 was identified as the only strain in the clinical isolate. Whole genome sequencing identified mutations in multiple genes associated with drug resistance, transport, metabolism, and virulence. All three G. lucidum extracts significantly inhibited C. tropicalis growth, with the aqueous extract showing the strongest anticandidal activity, and SEM revealed morphological damage and loss of cell integrity in treated cells.

Conclusion

This study confirms the effectiveness of biochemical and molecular techniques in identifying clinical Candida isolates and demonstrates the potential of G. lucidum bioactive compounds as promising anticandidal agents. The findings suggest that G. lucidum provides a new approach to treating drug-resistant candida infections, though further testing is needed to confirm phenotypic expression of resistance and evaluate effects on human cells.
  • Published in:Open Journal of Medical Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Clinical Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40400701
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