Potential of topical sapienic acid-rich lipids to prevent skin colonisation by Candida auris – University of the Free State

Lead applicant

Dr Carolina Pohl-Albertyn – University of the Free State

Co-applicants

Jeneil Nett – University of Wisconsin-Madison (UWM), USA

Dr Ireshyn Govender – Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa

Geographical focus – LMICs

Research Theme – Microbial Pathogenesis

Lay summary

This project will look at the ability of oils extracted from the seed of a plant indigenous to Eastern and Southern Africa to prevent growth of the hospital-associated yeast, Candida auris, on human skin. This yeast can cause drug-resistant, deadly infections in hospitals. The ability of this yeast to grow on skin increases the chances of infection of patients and spread of the yeast between patients. The currently used skin-disinfectants are not always effective to prevent Candida auris growth on skin. However, the vine’s seeds contain oils similar to natural oils found on human skin. This oil is known to be able to protect the skin from bacteria and we will investigate if this oil will also be able to protect skin from Candida auris growth. The ultimate aim is to harness indigenous resources to develop effective, safe, environmentally friendlier and more economic measures to prevent yeast growth on skin of vulnerable patients.