Prof Mrudula Patel

Mrudula Patel is a microbiology researcher whose work centers on fungal pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and infection control. Her scholarship places particular emphasis on Candida auris and Candida albicans, exploring mechanisms of virulence, biofilm formation, and environmental persistence. She also contributes to oral microbiology and public health through studies on strain diversity and colonization dynamics in vulnerable populations.

A defining theme in her research is the development of innovative antifungal strategies. Her publications highlight the therapeutic potential of human antimicrobial peptides, plant-derived compounds, and combination therapies to counter multidrug-resistant C. auris. These studies elucidate mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, membrane disruption, efflux pump inhibition, and gene downregulation, advancing anti-virulence and resistance-modulating approaches.

Patel’s broader contributions extend to microbial tolerance to disinfectants and biocides, survival on environmental surfaces, and validation of microbiological detection methods. By integrating molecular techniques, phenotypic assays, and applied infection control research, her work informs both clinical management of fungal infections and strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in healthcare and community settings.