The ultrastructure of Candida albicans after in vitro treatment with miconazole

Electron microscopic examination on Candida albicans yeast cells after exposure in vitro to different doses of miconazole revealed that it exerts its effect primarily on the plasmalemma and the cell wall. After exposing cultures to drug concentrations of 10-6M and 10-5M progressive degradation of plasmalemma and cytoplasmic organelles were seen. Injured parts of cellular material were sequestered from the rest of the cytoplasm and extruded into the central vacuole. A similar degradation occurred at the cell periphery. Cell death, characterized by the loss of normal shape, dissolution of the plasmalemma and by severe alterations of all cytoplasmic organelles, was evident at the 5 × 10-6M and 10-5M dose levels. From the morphologic point of view a clear dose relationship could be established.