Impact of Metallo-antifungals on Growth and Virulence genes Across Candida Species

Candida species, particularly Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, are virulent and frequent, leading to severe systemic and superficial infections, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. This study investigated the antifungal impact of both single and combination metal ions and how they affect the expression of virulence genes. PCR-based identification confirmed the presence of C. albicans (109 bp) and C. tropicalis (110 bp). C. albicans and C. tropicalis were treated with serial dilution of 0.1 M of various metal ions (B+, Fe+2or Fe+3, Co+2, Ni+2, Cu+1, or Cu+2, Zn+2, Mo+6, and Cr+6) singly and in combinations to estimate their antifungal activities through inhibition zone diameters (IZD). According to single metal treatments, chromium had the highest inhibition zone (IzD = 19 mm) against both Candida spp. Followed by molybdenum, then cobalt. Also, the Co-Mo combination (IzD = 24 mm) revealed the highest inhibitory effect. The Co-Mo mixture showed potent antifungal properties at 58.93 µg/mL and 95.95 µg/mL, with no fungicidal effect below 0.1 M, as confirmed by disc diffusion and microdilution assays. PCR analysis of virulence genes revealed the presence of HWP1, SAP4, and HYR1 genes. The Co-Mo1 combination effectively inhibits Candida growth by downregulating HWP1, HYR1, and SAP4 genes in C. albicans and suppressing ALS1 and PLB1 genes in C. tropicalis. These results demonstrate that the Co-Mo1 treatment is a promising antifungal agent that efficiently inhibits the growth of both Candida species and suppresses their essential virulence genes.