In-vitro activity of dicationic aromatic compounds and fluconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida spp

J Antimicrob Chemother. 1999 Aug;44(2):223-8. doi: 10.1093/jac/44.2.223.

Abstract

We investigated the in-vitro activity of three selected dicationic aromatic compounds for nine clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and 93 clinical isolates of Candida spp., representing 12 different species, using a broth macrodilution method following NCCLS recommendations. All the clinical isolates were also tested for fluconazole susceptibility. The in-vitro data demonstrate that compounds 39 and 57 have excellent in-vitro activity for all tested strains (MIC 0.19-1.56 mg/L) except Candida pelliculosa. Moreover, compound 39 showed excellent in-vitro fungicidal activity against Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae and Cryptococcus neoformans with MFCs in the range 0.39-6.25 mg/L. Both compounds 39 and 57 showed excellent in-vitro activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans isolates, including a C. albicans strain that contains all known fluconazole-resistant mechanisms. Comparing MIC data from compounds 21, 39 and 57 with fluconazole, we found a statistically significant difference only with compound 39 (P = 0.043). However, comparing MFC data from compounds 21, 39 and 57 with fluconazole, we found statistically significant differences with all three compounds (P < 0.00001). These data indicate the potential antifungal breadth of two bis-benzimidazoles (compounds 39 and 57) as antifungal agents against yeasts. If it can be determined that compounds 39 and 57 are effective and non-toxic in vivo, the prospect of these compounds as clinically useful antifungal agents will be enhanced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Benzimidazoles / chemistry
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Candida / drug effects*
  • Candida / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcosis / microbiology
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / drug effects*
  • Cryptococcus neoformans / isolation & purification
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Fluconazole / pharmacology
  • Furans / chemistry
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Furans
  • Fluconazole
  • furan