Amphotericin B lipid complex exerts additive antifungal activity in combination with polymorphonuclear leucocytes against Scedosporium prolificans and Scedosporium apiospermum

Abstract

Scedosporium prolificans and Scedosporium apiospermum are resistant to most antifungal agents and cause refractory pulmonary and disseminated infections. The combined effects of deoxycholate amphotericin B, amphotericin B lipid complex and liposomal amphotericin B with human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in damaging hyphae of these fungi were evaluated by XTT assay. Amphotericin B lipid complex displayed a significant additive effect with PMNs against both Scedosporium species (22% for S. prolificans and 81% for S. apiospermum; P < 0.04). None of the formulations adversely affected the PMN antifungal activity. These findings may be important in designing better strategies for management of infections due to these organisms.