In vitro studies on the activity of amphotericin B and lipid-based amphotericin B formulations against Aspergillus conidia and hyphae.

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B and lipid-based amphotericin B formulations against isolates of Aspergillus spp. were tested using a broth microdilution method. Twelve isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, eight of Aspergillus flavus, six of Aspergillus niger and seven of Aspergillus terreus were examined. In addition, an assay for hyphae of Aspergillus spp. was performed since the invasive form is manifested by the appearance of hyphal structures. MICs of hyphae against lipid-based amphotericin B formulations were within three dilutions higher than those against conidia for almost all isolates of Aspergillus spp. (P < 0.01). In contrast, the differences in the in vitro efficacies of amphotericin B were the lowest for Aspergillus spp. This study demonstrates the importance of the type of inoculum used to test antifungal susceptibilities of Aspergillus spp. The significance of these results for in vivo outcome needs to be determined.