Effect of sub-inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine on lipid and sterol composition of shape Candida albicans

The effect of a sub-inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine on lipid and sterol composition of Candida albicans was investigated. The total lipid content of this yeast grown in the presence of chlorhexidine was reduced whilst the total sterol content was increased compared with control-grown cells. Lipids and sterol analyses of this yeast grown in the presence and absence of chlorhexidine are presented. Chlorhexidine-grown yeast had a higher level of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. Lower proportions of phosphatidylinositol plus phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin were found in C. albicans grown in the presence of the drug when compared with control-grown yeast. The major fatty acids in control-grown cells were C16 and C18. Drug grown-cells had higher proportions of palmitic acid (16 : 0) and stearic acid (18 : 0), but lower proportions of palmitoleic acid (16 : 1) and oleic acid (18 : 1). Chlorhexidine also decreased the unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio, while the C16/C18 ratios increased compared to control-grown cells. Differences in the fatty acid composition of major phospholipids and neutral lipids between drug and control-grown yeast were also detected. Sterol analysis of control-grown cells showed that the major sterol present was ergosterol (55.4% wt). A significant increase in ergosterol and obtusifoliol was observed in chlorhexidine-treated cells and a significant decrease in squalene and lanosterol. Our results suggested that chlorhexidine affected the lipid and sterol composition of C. albicans. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.