Evaluation of the antifungal properties of nystatin-salicylic acid combinations against clinical isolates of Candida albicans

The in vitro antifungal activity of nystatin-salicylic acid combinations against clinical isolates of Candida albicans was investigated separately using the overlay inoculum susceptibility disc, the decimal assay for additively (DDA) and the rate of time kill methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the individual agents were determined using the agar diffusion technique. The MICs values were found to range from 11.19-62.95 ug/ml for nystatin and 8891.40-22334.18 ug/ml for salicylic acid against the clinical isolates for C. albicans. Results of the combinational (interaction) studies were found to be method dependent. The DDA as well as the rate of time kill method indicated an antagonistic interaction while the overlay inoculum susceptibility disc method indicated an indifferent interaction. The outcome of this study is significant when considering combination therapies involving salicylic acid and nystatin in the treatment of infections caused by Candida albicans and indeed other yeasts and fungi. Key Word: In vitro antifungal activity, nystatin-salicylic acid combinations, clinical isolates, Candida albicans. Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol.1 2003: 10-1