Antifungal Efficacy of Luliconazole in an Experimental Rabbit Model of Fungal Keratitis Caused by Fusarium solani
Sho Arimoto1,2, Katsuhiro Inagaki3, Daisuke Todokoro4
1Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. arimoto-sho@nichino.co.jp.
Abstract:
Fungal keratitis is a corneal fungal infection that potentially leads to blindness and is mainly caused by filamentous fungi, such as Fusarium, with limited drug options available, such as natamycin and voriconazole. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the imidazole antifungal drug-luliconazole-using a rabbit experimental model of fungal keratitis caused by Fusarium solani, which is the dominant causative agent of fungal keratitis. F. solani was inoculated into rabbit corneas. luliconazole 1% suspension or natamycin 5% eye drops were administered four times a day (N = 6 for each group) 3 days after inoculation. Signs were scored up to 14 days after inoculation to evaluate the efficacy of the drugs. Compared with the peak mean sign scores of the placebo control group, there was a significant decrease in the mean sign scores of both the treatment groups (P < 0.05). Sign score trends were similar between the two treatment groups. In conclusion, luliconazole demonstrated therapeutic efficacy comparable to that of natamycin in treating experimental fungal keratitis. This suggests that luliconazole can be a novel therapeutic agent for human fungal keratitis.
Insights
Luliconazole effectively treated fungal keratitis in rabbits, showing results comparable to natamycin. This imidazole antifungal offers a promising new option for treating fungal eye infections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection, often caused by Fusarium species, leading to potential blindness.
- Current treatments like natamycin and voriconazole have limitations, necessitating new therapeutic options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of luliconazole, an imidazole antifungal, against Fusarium solani-induced fungal keratitis in a rabbit model.
- To compare the therapeutic effects of luliconazole with natamycin, a standard treatment.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit model of fungal keratitis was established by inoculating Fusarium solani into the cornea.
- Luliconazole 1% suspension and natamycin 5% eye drops were administered four times daily to infected rabbits.
- Clinical signs of keratitis were scored for 14 days to assess drug efficacy.
Main Results:
- Both luliconazole and natamycin treatments significantly reduced the mean sign scores compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).
- The therapeutic efficacy of luliconazole was comparable to that of natamycin.
Conclusions:
- Luliconazole demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in treating experimental fungal keratitis.
- Luliconazole presents a potential novel therapeutic agent for human fungal keratitis, offering an alternative to existing treatments.
