Antifungal activity of 2-adamantylamine hydrochloride on Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis

Introduction. Increased virulence and drug resistance in species of Candida resulted in reduced disease control and further demand the development of potent antifungal drugs. Hypothesis. The repurposing of non- antifungal drugs and combination therapy has become an attractive alternative to counter the emerging drug resistance and toxicity of existing antifungal drugs against Candida afbicans and non- albicans species. Aim. This study aimed to accelerate antifungal drug development process by drug repurposing approach. Methodology. In this study, the antifungal effects of the antiviral drug, 2- adamantylamine hydrochloride (2- AM), were explored against C. afbicans and C. parapsifosis. Broth microdilution measured in vitro efficacy of 2- AM, whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and ergosterol quantification, cell cycle and phosphatidylserine externalization studies were detailed to investigate the antifungal mode of 2- AM action. Results. Results showed that 2- AM had fungicidal action against both the strains where, 2- AM further inhibited morphogenic transitions as well. Antibiofilm action of 2- AM on C. afbicans was evidenced on urinary catheters. G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis indicated ROS induced antifungal effect of 2- AM on both strains. Conclusions. Results of in vitro studies offers insight into the antifungal activity of 2- AM and may serve as an effective antifungal repurposed candidate against C. afbicans and C. parapsifosis.