Antimicrobial activity of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride against Candida spp.

BACKGROUND Candida-associated denture stomatitis is the most common manifestation of oral candidal infection, caused mainly by Candida albicans. Several authors have attempted to add antifungal agents or antiseptics to denture temporary soft lining materials or to denture acrylic resins, without relevant results. Therefore, the investigation of a quaternary ammonium functionalized compound [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MADQUAT), which copolymerizes with methacrylates and which could act as a fungal inhibitor, is of paramount importance. AIMS To evaluate the in vitro activity of MADQUAT against Candida species. METHODS Thirty-one Candida strains were used to determine the in vitro antifungal activity of this compound. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations of MADQUAT and nystatin were determined. RESULTS MADQUAT showed antifungal properties at concentrations of 6.25 to > 100mg/ml, and fungicidal activity between 25 and > 100mg/ml. The quantitative determinations of the fungistatic and fungicidal activity of MADQUAT showed fungistatic activity against all Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis strains, revealing fungicidal activity against some strains of the other species. CONCLUSIONS MADQUAT has antifungal activity against Candida spp. Moreover, the sensitivity to this substance varies across the different species in terms of MIC values and fungicidal or fungistatic activity.