The combination of amphotericin B and azithromycin as a potential new therapeutic approach to fusariosis

J Antimicrob Chemother. 1998 Jan;41(1):127-30. doi: 10.1093/jac/41.1.127.

Abstract

We investigated the interaction between amphotericin B and azithromycin in vitro against 26 clinical isolates of Fusarium. Synergy was demonstrated in all isolates. Amphotericin B MICs were reduced from a mean of 1 mg/L when tested alone to a mean of 0.37 mg/L when tested in combination with azithromycin. Azithromycin demonstrated no activity against Fusarium when tested alone (MIC > 128 mg/L). When combined with amphotericin B the mean MIC was reduced to 5.5 mg/L, a level readily achieved in tissue. Given the resistance of Fusarium to conventional therapy, the in-vitro synergy between amphotericin B and azithromycin might prove to be important in therapy for fusariosis.

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / pharmacology*
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Azithromycin / pharmacology*
  • Azithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / pharmacology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Fusarium / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Azithromycin