Mariely de Souza Prudêncio

Ms. Mariely de Souza Prudêncio


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 March 2026 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JAJoão Andrade
João Andrade
CLCleison da Rocha da Rocha Leite
Cleison da Rocha da Rocha Leite
FDFabiana Dantas
Fabiana Dantas
MPMariely de Souza Prudêncio
Mariely de Souza Prudêncio
LFLiliana Fernandes
Liliana Fernandes
KOKelly Mari Pires de Oliveira
Kelly Mari Pires de Oliveira
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant public health concern characterized by increasing incidence and challenges in treatment. However, most studies investigating Candida spp. virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility predominantly rely on in vitro assays. While these assays are highly reproducible, they do not accurately replicate the complex vaginal microenvironment. To address this limitation, we developed an ex vivo model using porcine vaginal mucosa and a physiologically relevant volume of simulated vaginal fluid (SFV) to better mimic human vaginal conditions. Methods: Biofilm formation and fluconazole activity were assessed using the reference strain Candida albicans ATCC 90028 and two clinical isolates associated with VVC. Results were expressed as colony-forming units (CFU) and directly compared with in vitro assays conducted in Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) and SVF. Results: CFU analysis revealed that the ex vivo vaginal mucosa model supported more robust biofilm development, with counts ranging from 6.67 × 107 to 7.20 × 107 CFU/mL, compared to the in vitro SDB assay (3.58 × 107 to 4.5 × 107 CFU/mL). This suggests enhanced fungal growth under tissue-based conditions. Moreover, fluconazole achieved greater biofilm eradication in the ex vivo model (>70%) compared to the in vitro SDB assay (≤34.50%), which may indicate increased antifungal activity within a physiologically relevant environment. Conclusions: The ex vivo vaginal mucosa model offers a physiologically relevant platform for supporting C. albicans biofilm development and serves as a valuable alternative for preclinical screening of antifungal agents.