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Micafungin alone and in combination therapy with deferasirox against Pythium insidiosum

R A Zanette1, F P K Jesus2, M B Pilotto3

  • 1Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Campus UFSM, Prédio 20, Sala 4139, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.

Journal De Mycologie Medicale
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Micafungin alone is ineffective against Pythium insidiosum. Combining micafungin with deferasirox showed synergy in vitro but led to lung dissemination in vivo, suggesting potential harm.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pythium insidiosum is a fungus-like organism causing severe infections.
  • Antifungal treatments often have limited efficacy.
  • Iron availability can influence fungal growth and virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of micafungin, an antifungal drug, against Pythium insidiosum.
  • To investigate the potential synergistic effect of combining micafungin with deferasirox, an iron chelator.
  • To assess the in vitro and in vivo activity of this combination therapy.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro susceptibility testing of micafungin and deferasirox against Pythium insidiosum strains.
  • In vivo efficacy study using a rabbit infection model.
  • Evaluation of lesion size and disease dissemination in infected rabbits.

Main Results:

  • Micafungin alone demonstrated poor in vitro activity against Pythium insidiosum.
  • A synergistic interaction between micafungin and deferasirox was observed in 88.2% of tested strains.
  • Combination therapy resulted in smaller lesions but promoted lung dissemination in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • Micafungin monotherapy is ineffective for treating Pythium insidiosum infections.
  • The combination of micafungin and deferasirox may have adverse effects, promoting disease spread.
  • Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions and host responses to this combination therapy.
Keywords:
Chélateur du ferEchinocandinIron chelatorOomyceteOomycèteSensibilitéSusceptibilityÉchinocandine

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