title: In vitro synergism of simvastatin and fluconazole against Candida species.
abstract: Systemic fungal infections are responsible for high mortality rates. Several species of fungi may be involved, but Candida spp. is the most prevalent. Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and also exhibits antifungal action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic action of simvastatin with fluconazole against strains of Candida spp. Susceptibility testing was performed according to protocol M27-A3, by broth microdilution method and the synergistic effect of simvastatin and fluconazole was calculated based on FICI (Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index). Eleven strains were evaluated, and simvastatin showed a synergistic effect with fluconazole against 10 (91%) of the Candida spp. strains tested. Simvastatin may be a valuable drug in the treatment of systemic infections caused by Candida spp.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Microbiology of Yeasts, Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: Everardo Albuquerque
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.forename: Antônio Alexandre de
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Vasconcelos Júnior
authors.forename: Carlla Lorena Façanha
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Fábio Ximenes
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Plutarco
authors.forename: Maria da Conceição dos Santos Oliveira
authors.initials: Mda C
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.forename: Francisco Afrânio
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Cunha
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002175:Candida / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole; D019821:Simvastatin