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Effects of pH on the activity of ketoconazole against Candida albicans
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|January 1, 1983
Abstract:
The activity of ketoconazole against Candida albicans in Sabouraud glucose medium was markedly influenced by pH. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of this imidazole against both a standard strain and clinical isolates ranged from 40 mug/ml at pH 3 to 0.02 mug/ml at pH 7, a greater than 1,000-fold difference.
Insights
The antifungal drug ketoconazole is significantly more effective against Candida albicans at neutral pH. Its potency increases over 1,000-fold from acidic to neutral conditions, impacting treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Antimicrobial drug research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen.
- Ketoconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent.
- Antifungal efficacy can be influenced by environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pH on ketoconazole activity against Candida albicans.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) across a range of pH values.
Main Methods:
- Testing ketoconazole activity against Candida albicans standard strain and clinical isolates.
- Utilizing Sabouraud glucose medium.
- Varying the pH of the medium from 3 to 7.
Main Results:
- Ketoconazole activity was markedly influenced by pH.
- MICs ranged from 40 µg/ml at pH 3 to 0.02 µg/ml at pH 7.
- A greater than 1,000-fold difference in potency was observed.
Conclusions:
- pH significantly modulates the antifungal activity of ketoconazole against Candida albicans.
- Optimal ketoconazole efficacy occurs at neutral pH.
- These findings have implications for antifungal therapy and formulation.