Microbiological perspective of ketoconazole.

The analysis of the results obtained in our trials, which took into account different experimental conditions, suggests that ketoconazole is a very effective anti-Candida drug. In particular, ketoconazole inhibits the development of the hyphal form of C. albicans which is highly invasive. In our trials, we were also able to demonstrate that it is possible to extend ketoconazole's range of action to gram-negative bacteria, if the drug is used in appropriate pharmaceutical forms. Moreover, its in vivo efficacy against dermatophytes and ifomycetes can also be explained by its ability to concentrate in keratinized tissues. From the investigations carried out on leukocyte populations, it has also been demonstrated that ketoconazole does not negatively interfere with the cell defense mechanisms of the host. In fact, the opsonic index and intraphagocytic killing do not significantly change in the presence of ketoconazole in therapeutic doses.