Aspergillus
SusceptibilityIn Vitro and In Vivo Study on the Synergistic Effect of Minocycline and Azoles against Pathogenic FungiIn vitro and in vivo interactions of minocycline and azoles, including itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, against filamentous pathogenic fungi were investigated. A total of 56 clinical isolates were studied in vitro via broth microdilution checkerboard technique, including 20 strains of Aspergillus fumigatus, 7 strains of...
Experimental TherapeuticsDerivatives of the Antimalarial Drug Mefloquine Are Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Molecules with Activity against Drug-Resistant Clinical IsolatesThe antifungal pharmacopeia is critically small, particularly in light of the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as Candida auris. Here, we report that derivatives of the antimalarial drug mefloquine have broad-spectrum antifungal activity against pathogenic yeasts and molds.
Experimental TherapeuticsGalactomannan Is a Biomarker of Fosmanogepix (APX001) Efficacy in Treating Experimental Invasive Pulmonary AspergillosisGalactomannan (GM) detection in biological samples has been shown to predict therapeutic response by azoles and polyenes. In a murine invasive pulmonary aspergillosis model, fosmanogepix or posaconazole treatment resulted in an ∼6- to 7-log reduction in conidial equivalents (CE)/g lung tissue after 96 h versus placebo.
SusceptibilityNew Antifungal Susceptibility Test Based on Chitin Detection by Image CytometryThe antifungal susceptibility tests used in clinical laboratories have several limitations. We developed a new test, SensiFONG, based on the detection of chitin levels after exposure to antifungal drugs. The optimal culture conditions were 30°C for 6 h for yeast strains and 26°C for 16 h for molds. The strains were exposed to a range of echinocandin or azole concentrations. Chitin was stained with calcofluor white.
SusceptibilityMolecular Identification, Antifungal Susceptibility Testing, and Mechanisms of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus Species Received within a Surveillance Program on Antifungal Resistance in SpainAntifungal resistance is one of the major causes of the increasing mortality rates for fungal infections, especially for those caused by Aspergillus spp. A surveillance program was established in 2014 in the Spanish National Center for Microbiology for tracking resistance in the most prevalent Aspergillus species. A total of 273 samples were included in the...
MinireviewEchinocandins for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis: from Laboratory to BedsideEchinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), targeting β-1,3-glucan synthesis of the cell wall, represent one of the three currently available antifungal drug classes for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Despite their limited antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp., echinocandins are considered an alternative option for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA).
SusceptibilityEUCAST Susceptibility Testing of Isavuconazole: MIC Data for Contemporary Clinical Mold and Yeast IsolatesIsavuconazole is the newest medical azole. We investigated EUCAST MICs for isavuconazole and seven comparators against 1,498 contemporary isolates (2016 to 2017).
Experimental TherapeuticsAPX001 Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Determination against Aspergillus fumigatus in an In Vivo Model of Invasive Pulmonary AspergillosisAPX001, the prodrug of APX001A, is a first-in-class antifungal agent that has a potent activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. The goal of current study was to determine the pharmacodynamic (PD) index and target of APX001 in an immunocompromised murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis against 6 A...
Experimental TherapeuticsAPX001 Is Effective in the Treatment of Murine Invasive Pulmonary AspergillosisInvasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) due to Aspergillus fumigatus is a serious fungal infection in the immunosuppressed patient population. Despite the introduction of new antifungal agents, mortality rates remain high, and new treatments are needed.
Experimental TherapeuticsIsavuconazole for Treatment of Experimental Fungal Endophthalmitis Caused by Aspergillus fumigatusFungal endophthalmitis remains a significant cause of vision impairment and blindness. Moreover, the prognosis is poor, in part due to delay in diagnosis and to limited availability of effective antifungal agents with good ocular penetration.