Effect of Propolis on the Adhesion Index, Morphology and Viability of Candida albicans Cells on Biofilm Formation

About 70-75% of reproductive women have experienced vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once and 40-45% will have recurrences. Candida albicans is the most etiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis and is able to form biofilm that can lead to antifungal resistances and recurrences. One of the natural products that have an antibiofilm effect is propolis. This study expected that propolis from Lawang can be the one of antibiofilm agent candidates to antifungi resistant cases. This study aimed to know the antibiofilm effect of propolis ethanol extract to cell adhesion index, morphology, and viability of Candida albicans cell on biofilm formation. The adhesion index was counted on 100 epithelial cells under light microscopy (1000x). Morphology was seen using light microscopy (400x). Cell viability was examined by CFU assay. At 12.5% concentration of propolis ethanol extract, adhesion index decreased (p=0,000) and hyphal growth was inhibited. Colony growth decreased at 2.5% concentration and was not seen at 10% concentration of propolis ethanol extract (p=0,000). This results indicated that propolis ethanol extract can decrease adhesion index, failed the Candida albicans morphology transition from yeast to hyphal, and decreased Candida albicans cell viability on biofilm formation. Propolis ethanol extract is likely to be one of alternatives to recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment, especially caused by Candida albicans biofilm formation.