Comparison of susceptibility of fungal isolates to lufenuron and nikkomycin Z alone or in combination with itraconazole.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the in vitro antifungal properties of lufenuron and nikkomycin Z against isolates of Coccidioides immitis and Aspergillus fumigatus when used singly and in combination with the azole antifungal agent itraconazole.


METHODS
3 clinical isolates of A fumigatus and the Silveira strain of C immitis.


METHODS
The fungal isolates were tested in vitro for susceptibility to the single and combination of compounds by use of microtiter-format susceptibility methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration end points were determined visually, and the contents of representative wells were examined microscopically for evidence of morphologic effects on fungi.


RESULTS
No evidence of inhibition, either by susceptibility testing or direct microscopic examination of treated cells, was obtained with lufenuron under experimental conditions. In contrast, nikkomycin Z, a known inhibitor of fungal chitin synthesis, had potent activity against C immitis when used singly. A synergistic interaction between nikkomycin Z and itraconazole was found against isolates of both species tested.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our in vitro data, lufenuron does not appear to possess antifungal properties.
Hector
Richard F
RF
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Davidson
Autumn P
AP
Johnson
Suzanne M
SM
D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000633:toxicity*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D001232:Aspergillus fumigatus / Q000187:drug effects*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000633:toxicity*; D003045:Coccidioides / Q000187:drug effects*; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000633:toxicity*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D005466:Fluorocarbons
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D017964:Itraconazole; C070364:fluphenacur; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C011952:nikkomycin