In vitro interactions between antifungals and immunosuppressants against Aspergillus fumigatus.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The optimal treatment for invasive aspergillosis remains elusive, despite the increased efficacy of newer agents. The immunosuppressants cyclosporine (CY), tacrolimus (FK506), and sirolimus (formerly called rapamycin) exhibit in vitro and in vivo activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including fungicidal synergy with azole antifungals. We report here that both FK506 and CY exhibit a clear in vitro positive interaction with caspofungin against Aspergillus fumigatus by disk diffusion, microdilution checkerboard, and gross and microscopic morphological analyses. Microscopic morphological analyses indicate that the calcineurin inhibitors delay filamentation, and in combination with caspofungin there is a positive interaction. Our findings suggest a potential role for combination therapy with calcineurin pathway inhibitors and existing antifungal agents to augment activity against A. fumigatus.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Steinbach, WJ; Schell, WA; Blankenship, JR; Onyewu, C; Heitman, J; Perfect, JR

Published Date

  • May 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 48 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 1664 - 1669

PubMed ID

  • 15105118

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC400573

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0066-4804

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1128/AAC.48.5.1664-1669.2004

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States