The effects of naftifine on the ultrastructure of Candida parapsilosis: a freeze fracture study.

Naftifine, a new antimycotic drug, was found to induce dose-dependent ultrastructural changes in C. parapsilosis. Increased accumulation of lipid particles in the cytoplasm, thickening of the cell wall and alterations of the plasma membrane by vesicular structures were the most obvious findings. Vesicular inclusions have also been observed in the cell wall. These changes caused a progressive destruction of the cell architecture which is presumed to result from interaction of naftifine with fungal sterol biosynthesis.