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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
08:54

Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds

Published on: February 14, 2018

[Systemic antifungal agents]

Carlos Lumbreras1, Manuel Lizasoain, José María Aguado

  • 1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. España. clumbrerasb@medynet.com

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|October 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Antifungal medications have evolved significantly, with newer formulations and drug classes like triazoles and echinocandins offering improved safety and efficacy for invasive fungal infections compared to older treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of mortality.
  • Amphotericin B was the sole antifungal treatment until the 1990s, despite significant toxicity.
  • Lipid formulations of amphotericin B have reduced associated side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advancements in antifungal therapies for invasive fungal infections.
  • To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of various antifungal agents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antifungal drug development and clinical applications.
  • Comparative analysis of historical and contemporary antifungal treatments.

Main Results:

  • Lipid formulations of amphotericin B demonstrate reduced toxicity.
  • Triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole) are safe and effective for various IFIs.
  • Voriconazole shows superior efficacy over amphotericin B for invasive aspergillosis.
  • Echinocandins (caspofungin) offer a new, safe class with activity against Candida and Aspergillus.

Conclusions:

  • Modern antifungal agents, including lipid-based amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins, have significantly improved the management of invasive fungal infections.
  • These newer agents offer better safety profiles and targeted efficacy against specific fungal pathogens.

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