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Do farnesol and tyrosol production in Candidozyma auris biofilms reflect virulence potential?

Summary

Researchers discovered that a dangerous fungus called Candidozyma auris produces signaling molecules called farnesol and tyrosol in biofilms. These molecules appear to be linked to how dangerous the fungus is—strains that produce more of these molecules were more virulent in infection studies. Understanding these signaling molecules could help develop new strategies to fight this drug-resistant pathogen.

Background

Candidozyma auris is an emerging nosocomial pathogen with high antifungal resistance rates. Quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) like farnesol and tyrosol have been studied in related species but not in C. auris biofilms. This study investigates the potential relationship between QSM production and virulence in C. auris.

Objective

The main goal was to quantify farnesol and tyrosol in C. auris biofilms and assess their association with virulence using a Galleria mellonella larvae model across different clades of the pathogen.

Results

All C. auris strains produced farnesol and tyrosol during biofilm formation. The most virulent strain CBS 12766 produced the highest QSM levels per biofilm dry weight, while the least virulent CBS 10913 produced the lowest. C. auris exhibited higher QSM production per biofilm dry weight compared to Candida albicans.

Conclusion

This is the first report of farnesol and tyrosol production in C. auris biofilms, suggesting a potential association between QSM levels and virulence of this emerging pathogen. These findings may impact further research on QSM roles in C. auris virulence and biofilm regulation.
  • Published in:Virulence,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40952169; DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2025.2561832
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