Aim: The present study evaluated the capacity of three species of Fusarium isolated from onychomycosis to form biofilms and the antibiofilm effect of propolis extract on these biofilms.
Materials & methods: The biofilms and antibiofilm effects were evaluated by quantifying the colony-forming units, mitochondrial metabolic activity assays, total biomass by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy.
Results: Propolis extract demonstrated significant antibiofilm efficiency on Fusarium spp. isolates and reduced F. solani, F. oxysporum and F. subglutinans mature biofilms.
Conclusion: Propolis extract can be an alternative topical treatment of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp.
Keywords: antifungal; fusariosis; paronychia; treatment; ungueal mycosis.