An Azole-Tolerant Endosomal Trafficking Mutant of Candida albicans Is Susceptible to Azole Treatment in a Mouse Model of Vaginal Candidiasis.

Abstract

We recently reported that aendosomal trafficking mutant continues to grow after treatment with the azole antifungals. Herein, we report that theΔ/Δ mutant does not have a survival advantage over wild-type isolates after fluconazole treatment in a mouse model of vaginal candidiasis. Furthermore, loss ofdoes not synergize with established mechanisms of azole resistance, such as overexpression of efflux pumps or of Erg11p, the target enzyme of the azoles. In summary, although loss offunction enhancessurvival after azole treatment, it does not seem to affect azole susceptibility.