Related Experiment Videos
CAN-296-P is effective against cutaneous candidiasis in guinea pigs
Avital M Ben-Josef1, Jessica L Cutright, Elias K Manavathu
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, 427 Lande Building, 505E Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. benjosef@kci.wayne.edu
Abstract:
CAN-296 is a naturally occurring, heat-stable complex carbohydrate isolated from the cell wall of Mucor rouxii. Previously, CAN-296 demonstrated impressive in vitro fungicidal activity against a wide spectrum of pathogenic yeast, including azole-resistant isolates. The effect of CAN-296 on Candida albicans is rapid, concentration-dependent, and lethal. CAN-296-P is a chitosan-pyrithione derivative of CAN-296 containing 4% solution of chitosan with 25% substitution of pyrithione. Like CAN-296, it has in vitro fungicidal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.156 mg/l for C. albicans. The therapeutic effect of topical CAN-296-P on cutaneous candidiasis caused by C. albicans in guinea pigs was investigated. Three different C. albicans isolates, including one fluconazole-resistant strain (R 637601-9), were tested. After immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide, infection under occlusive dressing was achieved and treated within 48 h after the initial infection. Once-a-day topical application of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% CAN-296-P solution was administrated for a period of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. CAN-296-P at a concentration > or =0.25% was found to be as effective in clearing the infection as was 2% miconazole. Effectiveness in eradicating candidiasis with CAN-296-P was concentration-dependent and free of local adverse effects. Can-296-P is a novel, highly active topical fungicidal agent, with broad potential for clinical use.
Insights
A novel topical antifungal, CAN-296-P, effectively treats Candida albicans skin infections in guinea pigs. This chitosan-pyrithione derivative shows potent fungicidal activity, comparable to miconazole, with no adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- CAN-296, a complex carbohydrate from Mucor rouxii, exhibits potent in vitro fungicidal activity against pathogenic yeasts, including azole-resistant strains.
- CAN-296-P is a novel chitosan-pyrithione derivative of CAN-296, demonstrating significant in vitro fungicidal activity against Candida albicans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of topical CAN-296-P in a guinea pig model of cutaneous candidiasis.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of CAN-296-P against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolates.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were infected with Candida albicans and immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide.
- Topical application of varying concentrations of CAN-296-P (0.125% to 4%) was administered daily for 1 to 7 days.
- Treatment outcomes were compared to 2% miconazole.
Main Results:
- CAN-296-P at concentrations ≥0.25% demonstrated efficacy comparable to 2% miconazole in clearing cutaneous candidiasis.
- The antifungal effect was concentration-dependent and observed across different treatment durations.
- No local adverse effects were reported with CAN-296-P treatment.
Conclusions:
- CAN-296-P is a highly active topical fungicidal agent with significant therapeutic potential for treating candidiasis.
- Its effectiveness and favorable safety profile suggest broad clinical applicability for skin fungal infections.