In vitro inhibitory effect of statins on planktonic cells and biofilms of the Sporothrix schenckii species complex

Sporotrichosis, caused by species of the complex, is the most prevalent subcutaneous mycosis in many areas of Latin America. Statins are a class of drugs widely used for lowering high sterol levels through their action on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the synthesis of sterol. In this study, the antifungal activity of statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin) against planktonic cells and biofilms of complex species was evaluated, as well as the interaction of pravastatin with classical antifungals (amphotericin B, itraconazole, terbinafine). Eighteen strains of species were used. The antifungal susceptibility assay was performed using the broth microdilution method. Mature biofilms were exposed to statins and metabolic activity was measured by the XTT reduction assay. MICs of statins ranged from 8 to 512 μg ml and from 8 to 256 μg ml for filamentous and yeast forms, respectively. Regarding mature biofilms, MICs of 50 % inhibition (SMIC50) were 128 μg ml for simvastatin and atorvastatin and >2048 μg ml for pravastatin. MICs of 90 % inhibition (SMIC90) were 512 μg ml for simvastatin and >2048 μg ml for atorvastatin and pravastatin. . These results highlight the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of statins against complex species.