Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunct in zygomycosis: randomized controlled trial in a murine model
D M Barratt1, K Van Meter, P Asmar
1Section of Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. dbarratt@bellsouth.net
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|November 16, 2001
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen did not improve survival in a mouse model of zygomycosis when added to amphotericin B treatment. This fungal infection, caused by Rhizopus arrhizus, showed no enhanced outcomes with adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Mycology
Background:
- Zygomycosis, a serious fungal infection, poses a significant threat, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Rhizopus arrhizus is a common causative agent of zygomycosis.
- Deferoxamine treatment can increase susceptibility to invasive fungal infections like zygomycosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct to amphotericin B in treating experimental zygomycosis.
- To assess the impact of hyperbaric oxygen on survival rates in a murine model of Rhizopus arrhizus infection.
Main Methods:
- Zygomycosis was induced in CD-1 mice via intraperitoneal deferoxamine and intravenous/intrasinus inoculation of Rhizopus arrhizus.
- Mice received amphotericin B treatment combined with either hyperbaric oxygen (2.0 atm absolute twice daily) or placebo air.
- Survival rates were monitored to compare treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- The addition of hyperbaric oxygen to amphotericin B treatment did not significantly improve survival rates compared to amphotericin B with placebo air.
- Survival outcomes were similar between the hyperbaric oxygen group and the control group receiving standard care.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not an effective adjunctive treatment for experimental zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus arrhizus when combined with amphotericin B.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative or novel therapeutic strategies for managing this life-threatening fungal infection.
