Do farnesol and tyrosol production in Candidozyma auris biofilms reflect virulence potential?

Candidozyma auris is associated with nosocomial outbreaks presenting high resistance rates to antifungal. Since its emergence in 2009, research has been carried out on the underlying quorum sensing molecules (QSMs), such as farnesol (Far) and tyrosol (Tyr). Our main goal was to quantify Far and Tyr in C. auris biofilms and assess their role in virulence using a Galleria mellonella larvae model. Among the tested strains, the most virulent CBS 12766 produced the highest QSMs levels, whereas the least virulent strain CBS 10913 produced the lowest. Notably, C. auris exhibited higher QSM production per biofilm dry weight and the virulence profile was associated with greater QSM levels. In addition, the virulent reference strain Candida albicans SC5314 produced largest amounts of QSMs and higher biofilm total biomass. In conclusion, we reported for the first time the production of Far and Tyr in C. auris biofilms, suggesting a potential association with the virulence of this emerging pathogen.