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Updated: May 28, 2026
Intravitreal Injection and Quantitation of Infection Parameters in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Endophthalmitis
Published on: February 6, 2021
Intravitreal rezafungin and anidulafungin in a rabbit model of Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis
Yue Zhang1,2, Yanjie Zhou1, Yi Tang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China.
Abstract:
Rezafungin (RZF) and anidulafungin (AFG) are echinocandins with potential for treating Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis. We evaluated their antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in a rabbit endophthalmitis model. In vitro, minimum effective concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined, biofilm inhibition was assessed, and drug-induced structural damage was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages were measured to assess inflammatory regulation. In vivo, a rabbit model of A. fumigatus endophthalmitis was established and, 24 h after infection, eyes received a single intravitreal injection of liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, RZF, AFG or normal saline. Clinical inflammation scores, intraocular fungal burden, aqueous humor TNF-α levels and histopathological changes were compared among groups. RZF and AFG showed low minimum effective concentrations, inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted fungal cell wall and membrane integrity in vitro and significantly reduced intraocular inflammation, fungal burden and aqueous humor TNF-α in vivo, with overall efficacy comparable to that of liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole. These findings support RZF and AFG as promising alternative agents for intravitreal therapy of A. fumigatus endophthalmitis.
Insights
Rezafungin and anidulafungin show promise for treating Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis. These echinocandins effectively reduced fungal burden and inflammation in a rabbit model, comparable to existing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis poses a significant treatment challenge.
- Echinocandins rezafungin (RZF) and anidulafungin (AFG) are potential therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of RZF and AFG.
- To compare their efficacy against Aspergillus fumigatus endophthalmitis in vitro and in a rabbit model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro: determined minimum effective/inhibitory concentrations, assessed biofilm inhibition, examined fungal damage via microscopy, measured inflammatory cytokine mRNA in macrophages.
- In vivo: established a rabbit endophthalmitis model, administered intravitreal injections (RZF, AFG, liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, saline), and compared clinical scores, fungal burden, cytokine levels, and histopathology.
Main Results:
- RZF and AFG demonstrated low minimum effective concentrations and inhibited A. fumigatus biofilm formation in vitro.
- Both drugs disrupted fungal cell wall and membrane integrity.
- In vivo, RZF and AFG significantly reduced intraocular inflammation, fungal burden, and aqueous humor TNF-α levels.
- Efficacy was comparable to liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole.
Conclusions:
- Rezafungin and anidulafungin exhibit potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- These echinocandins are effective in a rabbit model of A. fumigatus endophthalmitis.
- RZF and AFG represent promising alternative agents for intravitreal therapy.
