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Comparative sensitivity of Naegleria fowleri to amphotericin B and amphotericin B methyl ester
Abstract:
Data presented showed that Naegleria fowleri is much more sensitive to amphotericin B (AmB) than to amphotericin B methyl ester (AME). In vitro, AME was effective at concentrations of 1.0 microgram/ml whereas the parent antibiotic, AmB, was effective at concentrations of 0.0125 to 0.025 microgram/ml. In vivo, AmB, at a concentration of 2.5 mg/kg/day, produced 100% survival in mice infected with N. fowleri, but AME failed to protect infected mice even at concentrations of 30 mg/kg/day. The results support previous observations with fungi which have shown that AmB is a more potent antimicrobial agent than AME.
Insights
Naegleria fowleri is more susceptible to amphotericin B (AmB) than its ester derivative (AME). AmB demonstrated superior efficacy in vitro and in vivo, offering complete survival in infected mice, unlike AME.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Microbiology
- * Pharmacology
Background:
- * Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba responsible for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- * Amphotericin B (AmB) is a polyene antifungal agent with known activity against various pathogens.
- * Amphotericin B methyl ester (AME) is a derivative of AmB, with potential modifications in its therapeutic profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To compare the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of amphotericin B (AmB) and amphotericin B methyl ester (AME) against Naegleria fowleri.
- * To evaluate the antimicrobial potency of AmB versus AME in a Naegleria fowleri infection model.
Main Methods:
- * In vitro susceptibility testing of Naegleria fowleri to varying concentrations of AmB and AME.
- * In vivo efficacy study using a murine model of Naegleria fowleri infection.
- * Administration of AmB and AME at specified dosages to infected mice, with survival rates monitored.
Main Results:
- * In vitro studies revealed Naegleria fowleri was significantly more sensitive to AmB (0.0125-0.025 microgram/ml) than to AME (1.0 microgram/ml).
- * In vivo, AmB treatment (2.5 mg/kg/day) resulted in 100% survival of infected mice.
- * AME failed to protect infected mice, even at a high dosage of 30 mg/kg/day.
Conclusions:
- * Amphotericin B is a more potent antimicrobial agent against Naegleria fowleri compared to amphotericin B methyl ester.
- * The findings support previous research indicating AmB's superior activity over AME in other microbial infections.
- * AmB shows significant therapeutic potential for treating Naegleria fowleri infections.