Zeamatin, clotrimazole and nikkomycin Z in therapy of a Candida vaginitis model.
OBJECTIVE
To study the interaction of antifungal drugs in topical therapy.


METHODS
Local therapy of Candida vaginitis with drugs alone and in combination was examined in a murine model. Zeamatin, a natural plant-derived antifungal protein, was tested alone and in combination with an azole, clotrimazole or nikkomycin Z, a chitin synthase inhibitor.


RESULTS
Whereas alone, zeamatin was ineffective, nikkomycin Z was effective only when dosed multiple times per day, and clotrimazole efficacy was variable when administered in experimental vehicles (unlike the complex and undefined commercial preparation), zeamatin enhanced the efficacy of either of the other two drugs when they were given in combination.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug interactions between novel drugs with unique mechanisms of action should be explored further, and may lead to more potent regimens.
Stevens
David A
DA
Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose 95128-2699, CA, USA. stevens@stanford.edu
Calderon
Leilani
L
Martinez
Martha
M
Clemons
Karl V
KV
Wilson
Shelly J
SJ
Selitrennikoff
Claude P
CP
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D003022:Clotrimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014361:Trypsin Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D010940:Plant Proteins; D014361:Trypsin Inhibitors; C073468:zeamatin protein, Zea mays; C011952:nikkomycin; D003022:Clotrimazole