Prophylactic Effect of FK463, a Novel Antifungal Lipopeptide, against Pneumocystis carinii Infection in Mice

• DOI: 10.1128/aac.44.9.2259-2262.2000
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:06:42Z
• Authors: Mamoru Ito; Ryoko Nozu; Takashi Kuramochi; Natsuko Eguchi; Shuzo Suzuki; Kyoji Hioki; Toshio Itoh; Fumiaki Ikeda
• Keywords: Pentamidine; Lipopeptide; Ratón; Pneumocystosis

ABSTRACT The prophylactic effect of FK463, a new water-soluble echinocandin-like lipopeptide with inhibitory activity against 1,3-β- d -glucan synthase, Pneumocystis carinii infection was investigated the severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model. Treatment pentamidine, and saline only performed for 6 weeks from day after SCID mice were inoculated intranasally infected lung homogenates. FK463 at 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg body weight, pentamidine 4 mg/kg, subcutaneously administered daily into backs mice. effects drugs evaluated by detection P. cysts in homogenates toluidine blue O staining, histology, PCR amplification -specific DNA fragment lungs. detected lungs all saline. In contrast, no both doses pentamidine. A specific amplified least half more These results indicate that acts on cyst wall formation but not trophozoite proliferation is extremely effective preventing -associated pneumonia. suggest potentially useful as agent infection.