African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5238

Full Length Research Paper

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit growth of yeast pathogens

Desmond M. Ncango1, Carolina H. Pohl1, Pieter W. J. van Wyk2 and Johan L. F. Kock1*
  1UNESCO MIRCEN, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa. 2Centre for Microscopy, University of the Free State, P. O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Published: 04 May 2011

Abstract

 

Studies on yeasts exposed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as potential anti-mitochondrial antifungals. In this study, various NSAIDs were tested for antifungal activity on the human yeast pathogens Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Our results suggest a dual action for these drugs, that is, antifungal as well as anti-inflammatory. These results could be useful in the treatment of fungal infections.

 

Key words: Acetylsalicylic acid, antifungal, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-mitochondrial,Candida albicansCryptococcus neoformansEremothecium ashbyi.