Strain-dependent survival and environmental resilience of Candida auris under UV-B exposure

Ayorinde Akinbobola (University of Stirling, UK)

17:30 - 17:45 Tuesday 14 April Morning

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Abstract

Candida auris (Candidozyma auris) recently emerged as a human pathogenic yeast and poses a significant global health threat due to resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and potential for environmental persistence. Although evidence suggests C. auris originated from environmental niches, its ability to withstand natural environmental stressors remains poorly defined. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, the environmentally relevant component of solar UV, is a key antimicrobial factor that may influence C. auris persistence in the natural environment. This study examined the tolerance of two fluconazole-resistant C. auris strains (NCPF 8973, clade I; NCPF 8980, clade III) in surface biofilms on plastic or glass to repeated UV-B exposure at either moderate or high indices. The effects of UV-B on viability, virulence, and biofilm formation were evaluated, alongside the influence of environmental matrices like river water and organic soiling. C. auris NCPF 8980 exhibited greater UV-B tolerance, remaining viable on plastic surfaces for up to 16 days with moderate UV-B, and 12 days with high UV-B, while NCPF 8973 lost viability by days 4 and 2, respectively. UV-B exposure did not significantly alter NCPF 8980 virulence or biofilm formation. Suspension in river water or organic soiling markedly enhanced the tolerance of the isolates to UV-B. These findings suggest that tolerance of C. auris biofilms to UV-B stress is strain-dependent, which may reflect the geographical provenance of each clade. Furthermore, the increased protection of C. auris from UV stress by environmental matrices demonstrates the potential for the persistence and dissemination of C. auris in natural environments.

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