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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
06:49
Reduced Itraconazole Concentration and Durations Are Successful in Treating Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infection in Amphibians
Published on: March 14, 2014
Current experience in treating invasive zygomycosis with posaconazole
O A Cornely1, J J Vehreschild, M J G T Rüping
1Department I of Internal Medicine, Clinical Trials Unit Infectious Diseases II, University of Cologne Hospital, Cologne, Germany. oliver.cornely@ctuc.de
Summary
Effective zygomycosis treatment combines surgery and antifungals like Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) or liposomal AmB (L-AmB). Posaconazole offers an alternative, especially with kidney issues, improving patient survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Zygomycosis is a severe fungal infection with high mortality without prompt treatment.
- Limited clinical trial data necessitates reliance on case reports and compassionate use for treatment insights.
- Current treatment paradigms emphasize a combination of surgical intervention and antifungal therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment strategies for zygomycosis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of available antifungal agents and surgical debridement.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing zygomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature, including case reports and compassionate use data.
- Analysis of clinical efficacy data for Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC), liposomal AmB (L-AmB), and posaconazole.
- Assessment of the role of surgical debridement in patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- ABLC showed cure or improvement in 52% of patients; L-AmB is frequently used but lacks large published series.
- Posaconazole demonstrated significant salvage treatment response rates (60% and 79%) and is an option for patients with renal impairment.
- Survival is strongly linked to surgical debridement and management of comorbid conditions.
Conclusions:
- Surgical debridement is a critical component of zygomycosis management.
- Intravenous ABLC or L-AmB are recommended initial antifungal treatments.
- Posaconazole serves as an effective switch therapy or primary option for specific patient groups, particularly those with renal dysfunction.
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