Combination antifungal therapy of murine aspergillosis: liposomal amphotericin B and micafungin.
OBJECTIVE
AmBisome and micafungin were used alone and in combination in a series of studies designed to identify any additive or antagonistic effects of combination antifungal therapy.


METHODS
Immune-suppressed mice were infected either intravenously or intranasally with Aspergillus fumigatus. Micafungin, liposomal amphotericin B or both drugs together were administered for 7 days. Parameters of efficacy included survival and tissue burden of A. fumigatus.


RESULTS
Whilst each drug was effective in murine aspergillosis, additive effects were observed only in reduction of tissue burden in limited experimental conditions. No antagonism was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
The present studies neither encourage nor discourage clinical use of combination therapy. Clinical trials are suggested before combined therapy is routinely adopted.
Graybill
John R
JR
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases (7881), 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
Bocanegra
Rosie
R
Gonzalez
Gloria M
GM
Najvar
Laura K
LK
D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D054714:Echinocandins; D006801:Humans; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D000077551:Micafungin; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D054714:Echinocandins; D055666:Lipopeptides; D008074:Lipoproteins; D008081:Liposomes; D010456:Peptides, Cyclic; D000666:Amphotericin B; D000077551:Micafungin