The Metschnikowia pulcherrima Clade as a Model for Assessing Inhibition of Candida spp. and the Toxicity of Its Metabolite, Pulcherrimin.

Candidiasis is one of the most frequent infections worldwide. In this study, the antimicrobial properties of six strains belonging to the clade were evaluated against twenty and -related var. (syn. ) of different origins, employing the agar cross method. The toxic effect of pulcherrimin, a red metabolite that is responsible for the antimicrobial activities of spp., was evaluated in various experimental models. The results of agar tests showed that the selected strains inhibited the growth of the and non- strains. However, inhibition was dependent on the strain and the environment. The presence of peptone, sodium silicate, and a higher incubation temperature decreased the antifungal action of the strains. Pulcherrimin showed cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity, with oxidative stress in cells leading to apoptosis. More research is needed on the mechanism of action of pulcherrimin on somatic cells.