Comparison of susceptibility of fungal isolates to lufenuron and nikkomycin Z alone or in combination with itraconazole.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the in vitro antifungal properties of lufenuron and nikkomycin Z against isolates of Coccidioides immitis and Aspergillus fumigatus when used singly and in combination with the azole antifungal agent itraconazole.

SAMPLE POPULATION

3 clinical isolates of A fumigatus and the Silveira strain of C immitis.

PROCEDURE

The fungal isolates were tested in vitro for susceptibility to the single and combination of compounds by use of microtiter-format susceptibility methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration end points were determined visually, and the contents of representative wells were examined microscopically for evidence of morphologic effects on fungi.

RESULTS

No evidence of inhibition, either by susceptibility testing or direct microscopic examination of treated cells, was obtained with lufenuron under experimental conditions. In contrast, nikkomycin Z, a known inhibitor of fungal chitin synthesis, had potent activity against C immitis when used singly. A synergistic interaction between nikkomycin Z and itraconazole was found against isolates of both species tested.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

On the basis of our in vitro data, lufenuron does not appear to possess antifungal properties.