In-vitro activity of dicationic aromatic compounds and fluconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

We investigated the in-vitro activity of three selected dicationic aromatic compounds for nine clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and 93 clinical isolates of Candida spp., representing 12 different species, using a broth macrodilution method following NCCLS recommendations. All the clinical isolates were also tested for fluconazole susceptibility. The in-vitro data demonstrate that compounds 39 and 57 have excellent in-vitro activity for all tested strains (MIC 0.19-1.56 mg/L) except Candida pelliculosa. Moreover, compound 39 showed excellent in-vitro fungicidal activity against Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae and Cryptococcus neoformans with MFCs in the range 0.39-6.25 mg/L. Both compounds 39 and 57 showed excellent in-vitro activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolates, including a C. albicans strain that contains all known fluconazole-resistant mechanisms. Comparing MIC data from compounds 21, 39 and 57 with fluconazole, we found a statistically significant difference only with compound 39 (P = 0.043). However, comparing MFC data from compounds 21, 39 and 57 with fluconazole, we found statistically significant differences with all three compounds (P < 0.00001). These data indicate the potential antifungal breadth of two bis-benzimidazoles (compounds 39 and 57) as antifungal agents against yeasts. If it can be determined that compounds 39 and 57 are effective and non-toxic in vivo, the prospect of these compounds as clinically useful antifungal agents will be enhanced.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Del Poeta, M; Bixel, AS; Barchiesi, F; Tidwell, RR; Boykin, D; Scalise, G; Perfect, JR

Published Date

  • August 1999

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 44 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 223 - 228

PubMed ID

  • 10473229

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0305-7453

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1093/jac/44.2.223

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England