Investigating Dual-Species Candida auris and Staphylococcal Biofilm Antiseptic Challenge

Abstract

<i>Candida auris</i> can persistently colonize human skin, alongside a diverse bacterial microbiome. In this study we aimed to investigate the efficacy of antiseptic activities on dual-species interkingdom biofilms containing staphylococci to determine if antiseptic tolerance was negatively impacted by dual-species biofilms. Chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), were able to significantly reduce biofilm viable cell counts following exposure at 2%, 10%, and 3%, respectively. Notably, H₂O₂-treated biofilms were able to significantly recover and considerably repopulate following treatment. Fortunately, inter-kingdom interactions in dual-species biofilms of <i>C. auris</i> and staphylococci did not increase the tolerance of <i>C. auris</i> against antiseptics in vitro. These data indicate mixed infections are manageable with chlorhexidine and povidone iodine, but caution should be exercised in the consideration of H₂O₂.