[Mode of action of ciclopiroxolamine on Candida albicans]

Abstract

Candida albicans is a common pathogen causing both superficial and invasive mycoses. The hydroxypyridone ciclopiroxolamine belongs to antimycotic drugs used for treatment of superficial mycoses. Whereas the mode of action of other antimycotics, for example the azoles, is well known, the specific action of ciclopiroxolamine is poorly understood. There are hints, that ciclopiroxolamine acts as a potential chelating agent and influences some cellular processes by chelating metal ions. Consequently, the antimycotic effectiveness of ciclopiroxolamine could be due to a general reduced viability of the fungus, or due to a higher sensitivity of a fungus against the human immune system as well as due to a reduced capability to produce some specific virulence factors that are indispensable for infection. Nevertheless, iron metabolism seems to play a major role in its effect.