Screening for toxicity of azole fungicides in Caenorhabditis elegans identifies triflumizole as a potent reproductive and developmental toxicant.

Abstract

Azoles are broad spectrum anti-fungal compounds that can disrupt steroid hormone synthesis, raising significant concerns regarding their impact on human development and reproduction. Chemical exposure in Caenorhabditis elegans may provide insights into the broader impact of azole fungicides relevant to human health. Exposure to triflumizole, resulted in a significant reduction in brood size as well as a dose-dependent decrease in worm development. Similarly, clotrimazole negatively impacted development, but not reproduction, while ketoconazole had no detrimental effect. Together this suggests further research is urgently needed to explore the impact of azole chemicals on human reproductive health.