Combination amphotericin B-rifampin therapy for pulmonary aspergillosis in a leukemic patient

Pulmonary aspergillosis developed in a 62-year-old man with acute myelogenous leukemia. Therapy with amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine was begun. Synergy between amphotericin B and rifampin was demonstrated in vitro, and therapy with firampin replaced 5-fluorocytosine. Progressive clearing of the pulmonary lesion ensued, suggesting in vivo efficacy as well. Further studies of patients utilizing this regimen are warranted.