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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
Published on: April 19, 2017
Initial results from a longitudinal international surveillance programme for anidulafungin (2003)
Shawn A Messer1, Jeffrey T Kirby, Helio S Sader
1The JONES Group/JMI Laboratories, Inc., 345 Beaver Kreek Centre, Suite A, North Liberty, IA 52317, USA. shawn-messer@jmilabs.com
Objectives:
This longitudinal study evaluated the in vitro activity of anidulafungin against 880 clinical yeast isolates and 68 mould isolates from 64 medical centres in North America, Latin America and Europe.
Methods:
MICs of anidulafungin, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole were determined using reference method (M27-A2) guidelines. The M38-A reference method was used for the filamentous fungi, including determination of minimum effective concentrations (MECs) of anidulafungin.
Results:
Anidulafungin was more active when compared with fluconazole and itraconazole for Candida albicans (MIC(90), 0.06 mg/L), Candida tropicalis (MIC(90), 0.06 mg/L), Candida glabrata (MIC(90), 0.12 mg/L), Candida krusei (MIC(90), 0.06 mg/L) and Candida lusitaniae (MIC(90), 1 mg/L) as well as the less-often encountered yeast species. Anidulafungin was less active against Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii and Candida famata (MIC(50), 1-2 mg/L). Anidulafungin also exhibited excellent activity against all Aspergillus spp. (MEC(90), < or =0.03 mg/L). Anidulafungin was also evaluated comparing two end point reading criteria and two incubation intervals. Data indicate that longer incubation periods do not significantly influence overall MIC ranges. These international surveillance results for anidulafungin confirm the activity observed in studies of smaller numbers of isolates.
Insights
Anidulafungin demonstrates potent in vitro activity against a broad spectrum of yeast and mould pathogens. This echinocandin shows significant efficacy, particularly against common Candida species and Aspergillus, supporting its role in treating invasive fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Mycology
- Antifungal Drug Discovery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections pose a significant threat, necessitating effective antifungal agents.
- Echinocandins, such as anidulafungin, represent a crucial class of antifungals.
- Understanding the in vitro activity spectrum of anidulafungin is vital for guiding clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro antifungal activity of anidulafungin against a large, diverse collection of clinical yeast and mould isolates.
- To compare the efficacy of anidulafungin with established antifungal agents across various fungal species.
- To provide international surveillance data on anidulafungin's performance against medically important fungi.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 880 yeast and 68 mould clinical isolates from North America, Latin America, and Europe.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A2 and M38-A reference methods.
- Evaluation of anidulafungin against amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole.
Main Results:
- Anidulafungin exhibited potent activity against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, and Candida krusei (MIC(90) ≤ 0.12 mg/L).
- Excellent activity was observed against Aspergillus spp. (Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC)(90) ≤ 0.03 mg/L).
- Anidulafungin showed reduced activity against Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida famata (MIC(50) = 1-2 mg/L).
Conclusions:
- Anidulafungin demonstrates broad-spectrum in vitro activity against a wide array of clinically relevant yeasts and moulds.
- The findings support anidulafungin's efficacy, particularly against common Candida species and Aspergillus, aligning with previous studies.
- This surveillance data reinforces anidulafungin's potential as a valuable therapeutic option for invasive fungal infections.
