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In vitro activity of immunosuppressive agents against Cryptococcus neoformans
Luana Rossato1, Tarcieli P Venturini1, Maria Isabel de Azevedo2
1Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica (English Ed.)
|February 5, 2022
Summary
Tacrolimus and cyclosporine A demonstrate antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. Combining these calcineurin inhibitors with amphotericin B or fluconazole showed synergistic effects, offering potential new treatments for cryptococcosis.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans infections are a leading cause of fungal mortality, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients.
- Evaluating novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for managing cryptococcosis, an opportunistic mycosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro antifungal activity of tacrolimus and cyclosporine A.
- To investigate the synergistic potential of combining these calcineurin inhibitors with established antifungal agents like amphotericin B and fluconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Main Methods:
- Determined Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for 30 clinical isolates of C. neoformans.
- Employed the microdilution method adhering to CLSI M27-A3 guidelines.
- Utilized the checkerboard method to evaluate drug combinations.
Main Results:
- Tacrolimus and cyclosporine A exhibited in vitro activity against C. neoformans isolates.
- Combinations of amphotericin B with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus showed 90% and 30% synergism, respectively.
- Combinations of fluconazole with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus demonstrated 70% and 20% synergism, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Synergistic interactions were observed between calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine A) and antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, fluconazole) against C. neoformans.
- These findings suggest potential for novel therapeutic strategies in treating cryptococcosis.
- Calcineurin inhibitors may play a role in future treatment regimens for this opportunistic fungal infection.
Keywords:
Amphotericin BAnfotericina BCiclosporina ACryptococcus spp.Cyclosporine ASinergiaSynergismTacrolimusMore Related Videos
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