In vitro study of essential oils encapsulated in chitosan microparticles against Histoplasma capsulatum and their pathogenicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract

Histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, poses risks for immunocompromised individuals. With limited therapeutic options, this study explores microparticles as antimicrobial delivery systems for Cymbopogon flexuosus and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils against H. capsulatum. The broth microdilution assay showed MICs of 32 to 128 µg/mL in filamentous phase and 8 to 64 µg/mL in yeast phase. Combining microparticles with antifungal drugs demonstrated synergistic effects in both filamentous and yeast-like forms with amphotericin B or itraconazole. Chitosan microparticles reduced H. capsulatum biofilm biomass and metabolic activity by about 60% at 512 µg/mL. In vivo evaluation with Caenorhabditis elegans showed H. capsulatum caused over 90% mortality. These findings highlight the potential use of chitosan microparticles as a delivery system for essential oils against H. capsulatum, especially in combination with other compounds.