Relationships Between and the Rest of the World-Analysis of Dual-Species Biofilms and Infections.

In this study, we investigated the interactions between and , , , and in mixed infections. Initially, these interactions were studied qualitatively and quantitatively in dual-species biofilms formed in vitro. The MTT assays, determination of the total CFU/mL, and SEM analysis showed that interacted differentially with the other spp. during the dual-species biofilm formation. Depending on the stage of the biofilm development, was found to be a particularly dominant species during its interaction with the biofilms but significantly submissive in the biofilms. These studies were then extended to in vivo host models of experimental candidiasis. larvae were inoculated with monotypic and heterotypic suspensions of . The survival rates and quantification of fungal cells in the hemolymph showed that the highest mortality was exhibited by larvae in the co-infection (100% mortality after 36 h). The CFU/mL values of from the larval hemolymph were lower in the interactive groups compared to the mono-species group. As a newly emerging species, persists in environments in the presence of other species and is involved in both competitive and noncompetitive interactions with other species during biofilm formation and development of experimental candidiasis.