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Related Concept Videos

Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis01:25

Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis

Aminoglycosides constitute a highly potent class of bactericidal antibiotics that exert their antimicrobial effects by targeting the bacterial ribosome, specifically disrupting protein synthesis. These polycationic molecules consist of amino-modified sugars linked via glycosidic bonds to an aminocyclitol core such as 2-deoxystreptamine or streptamine. Their strong positive charges facilitate tight binding to the negatively charged phosphate backbone of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), primarily at the 16S...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis01:23

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

Bacterial cell walls are typically rigid structures composed mainly of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that provides mechanical strength and maintains cell shape. The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a crucial process in bacterial growth and serves as a primary target for many antibiotics.Mechanism of Action of Beta-Lactam AntibioticsBeta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis in actively growing cells. These antibiotics share a characteristic four-membered...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Anthelminthic Agents01:15

Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

[Echinocandins].

Jorge A Cortés L1, July A Russi N

  • 1Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Santiago, Chile. jorgecortes@yahoo.com

Revista Chilena De Infectologia : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Chilena De Infectologia
|January 31, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Echinocandins like caspofungin effectively treat fungal infections by inhibiting a key enzyme in the cell wall. These antifungals show efficacy comparable to amphotericin B with improved safety profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin) are lipopeptides targeting fungal β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthase.
  • This enzyme is crucial for fungal cell wall synthesis, particularly in Candida species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy of echinocandins.
  • To compare echinocandins with amphotericin B in managing invasive fungal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical data, pharmacological profiles, and clinical trials.
  • Analysis of clinical efficacy and safety data for echinocandins.

Main Results:

  • Echinocandins demonstrate clinical efficacy similar to amphotericin B for candidemia, invasive candidiasis, and aspergillosis.

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  • These agents exhibit a favorable toxicity profile, with less frequent treatment discontinuation.
  • Efficacy is noted even in infections refractory to initial treatments.

    • Conclusions:

    • Echinocandins are effective for invasive candidiasis and other systemic mycoses.
    • While generally well-tolerated, pharmacological differences exist, and direct comparative trials are limited.
    • Their clinical application is valuable, especially in refractory cases.