candicidin

This bioactive compound was named candicidin, because of its high activity on Candida albicans. Candicidin is a polyene antifungal antibiotic produced by a strain of Streptomyces griseus. It is especially effective against Candida albicans (more effective than amphotericin B), and is administered intravaginally in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candicidin inhibits cell membrane of Candida albicans, resulting in disruption of membrane integrity and ultimately cell death. There is some evidence that the binding site in the cell wall may be to fatty acids or fatty acid esters and that this binding capacity must be satisfied before candicidin can bring about its lethal effect by binding to sterol in the cell membrane. — NCATS