Synergism between tetracycline and amphotericin B in experimental amoebic meningoencephalitis.

The efficacy of tetracycline and amphotericin B in the treatment of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis was studied by means of a mouse model. The results showed marked synergism between these two drugs. Mice who recieved 50 microgram amphotericin B daily succumbed to the infection with only 28.6% survival compared to 0% in untreated controls. In contrast, survival percentage was increased to 66.7% and 84.6% in mice receiving the combined dosage schedule of 50 microgram amphotericin B with 2 tetracycline, and 50 microgram amphotericin B with 3 mg tetracycline, respectively. The finding of synergism between tetracycline and amphotericin may provide a better means for the treatment of this disease.