Combination effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha with antimicrobial agents

Combination effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha with ceftazidime, moxalactam, gentamicin, enoxacin, amphotericin B, miconazole, or an immunoglobulin preparation were evaluated in systemic infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans in normal mice and systemic infection with P. aeruginosa in mice with leukopenia induced by preadministration of cyclophosphamide. Synergistic effects were generally observed at interleukin-1 alpha doses as low as 1 to 30 ng per mouse with most combinations. The results show the possibility that recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha could be of help for treating obstinate infections not successfully treated with antimicrobial agents alone.