Propolis ethanolic extract influenced biofilm formation and gene expression level of EFG1 in Candida albicans

Vulvovaginal candidiasis occurs in 70 - 75% of women. About 40 - 45% of them experience vulvovaginal candidiasis for the second time. Approximately 70 - 89% of these infections are caused by Candida albicans. Candida albicans forming biofilm are reported to have a higher resistance to most anti-fungal drugs, including fluconazole. Objective: To determine the effects of propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) on biofilm formation and genes expression level of EFG1 on C. albicans biofilm. Methods: C. albicans biofilm formation was grown on SDB + 2% glucose and added with PEE with a concentration of 0% (control group) and 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% (treatment group). Then, C. albicans biofilm formation was incubated at 37 °C for 48 hours. Biofilm inhibition was tested by the crystal violet assay. Analysis of genes expression level of EFG1 was performed using Real Time-PCR and calculated by absolute quantification method. Results: The results of the PEE effect on biofilm inhibition percentage showed a decrease in biofilm formation with the increase in PEE concentration given (p = 0.001), and gene expression level analysis showed that EFG1 (p = 0.000) expression level decreased with the increase in PEE concentration given. Conclusion: Propolis ethanolic extract could reduce biofilm formation and down-regulate the expression of EFG1 in C. albicans biofilm formation.