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Chemotherapy of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis: an experimental study
Abstract:
An experimental Keratitis study of Aspergillus fumigatus was performed in 130 rabbits divided into 12 groups of ten animals each. Three antifungal drugs (myconazole, amphotericin B and pimaricin) were tested using two procedures (topical drops and subconjunctival injections) and two different concentrations (500 and 10 000 times the MIC). In each case, the drugs were applied every 3 h starting 14 h after inoculation. Miconazole was useful at 10 mg/ml concentration by topical drops and subconjunctival injections, but was less useful at 5 mg/ml. Amphotericin B was useful at 5 mg/ml concentration by topical drops and less useful at 2 mg/ml. No differences were found between the two concentrations by subconjunctival administration. Pimaricin was useful by topical drops at 50 mg/ml concentration and less useful at 10 mg/ml as well as by subconjunctival injections.
Insights
This study evaluated antifungal drugs for treating experimental Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis in rabbits. Miconazole and amphotericin B showed efficacy at specific concentrations and delivery methods, offering insights into fungal eye infection treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungal keratitis, particularly from Aspergillus fumigatus, poses a significant threat to vision.
- Effective treatment strategies for fungal keratitis are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of miconazole, amphotericin B, and pimaricin in treating experimental Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.
- To compare the effectiveness of topical drops versus subconjunctival injections for drug delivery.
- To determine optimal drug concentrations for treating fungal keratitis.
Main Methods:
- An experimental keratitis model was established in 130 rabbits infected with Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Three antifungal agents (miconazole, amphotericin B, pimaricin) were administered via topical drops and subconjunctival injections.
- Drugs were tested at varying concentrations (e.g., 5, 10, 50 mg/ml) relative to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and applied every 3 hours.
Main Results:
- Miconazole (10 mg/ml) was effective via both topical and subconjunctival routes; lower concentration (5 mg/ml) was less effective.
- Amphotericin B (5 mg/ml) showed efficacy with topical application, but was less effective at 2 mg/ml; subconjunctival administration showed no concentration-dependent difference.
- Pimaricin was effective at 50 mg/ml via topical drops, with reduced efficacy at 10 mg/ml and when administered via subconjunctival injection.
Conclusions:
- Miconazole and amphotericin B demonstrate potential as therapeutic agents for Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis, with specific concentration and delivery method dependencies.
- Pimaricin shows limited efficacy, particularly with subconjunctival administration.
- Optimized drug concentrations and delivery routes are critical for successful management of fungal keratitis.