Abstract
Purpose:
In our laboratory, the genera most frequently isolated from keratitis are Aspergillus spp, Fusarium spp, Curvularia spp, among others (1). Treatment of these infections requires early and aggressive approach but it is common to find cases of visual impairment (2). In Mexico, antifungal are of regular access and expensive, even for institutions of tertiary care (3,4). Aim. In this study, the effect of Acyclovir (ACV) on Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of antifungal exerted on filamentous fungi was assessed, under the premise that the protease inhibitors used for HIV have been tested extensively in Candida strains, which act on soluble aspartyl proteases (SAPs) (5).
Methods:
Were isolated Fusarium solani and Aspergillus fumigatus from patients with keratitis. MICs of Amphotericin B (AmB) and Natamycin (NAT) were determined according to the CLSI M38-A2 method. The effect of ACV on the antifungal MICs was studied. Each result represents the mean of 8 experiments. Statistical significance was determined by ANOVA test.
Results:
Significant decrease in MICs performed by NAT and AmB was observed on F. solani in presence of ACV, up to 4 times the concentration, whereas the MICs of these antifungal on A. fumigatus, decreased 16 and 4 times, respectively.
Conclusions:
Acyclovir enhances the effect on NAT and AmB they have on F.solani and A. fumigatus. This finding will establish a new therapeutic approach in keratomycosis. 1.- Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;5:275-79; 2.- Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009;57(4):273-79; 3.- J Antimicrob Chemother. 1997;40:401-14; 4.- Boletín Médico del Hospital Infantil de México.2009;66(3):241-53; 5.- World J Biol Chem 2010;1(2):21-30.
Keywords: 422 antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics •
425 antiviral drugs •
573 keratitis