Conjugated carbon monoxide-releasing molecules have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

To test the antimicrobial effect of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) conjugated with azoles on different microorganisms. We used broth microdilution, checkerboard and cytotoxicity assays, as well as imaging, fluorescence and bioluminescence experiments to study [Re(CO)(2,2'-bipyridyl)(Ctz)] (also known as ReBpyCtz). ReBpyCtz exhibits a low minimum inhibitory concentration value, increases the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species and causes significant alterations on 's membrane. ReBpyCtz is active against fungi, having a more prolonged fungicidal effect on than clotrimazole and is selectively active on blood-stage malaria parasites, at a concentration that is not toxic to kidney epithelial cells. Conjugated CORMs have the potential to be active against different types of pathogens, thus constituting a promising class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.