Antifungal & Antiparasitic Agents

Question 1

Discuss the challenge of developing antifungal and antiparasitic agents that exhibit selective toxicity for fungi, protozoa and helminths

Answer 1

• patient is already debilitated by primary disease
• patient often has compromised immune system
• fungal cells are like eukaryotic host cells
• low therapeutic index –> less you can take without being toxic
• drug resistance

Question 2

Compare and contrast medically important antifungal agents in regard to mechanism of action

Answer 2

-target ergosterol/target fungal membrane
-polyenes bind ergosterol with relative selectivity over cholesterol; binds via hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions
-AmB is only version that can be delivered via IV
-amphipathic
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Question 3

Compare and contrast medically important antifungal agents in regard to spectrum of activity

Answer 3

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Question 4

Compare and contrast medically important antifungal agents in regard to clinical use

Answer 4

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Question 5

Compare and contrast medically important antifungal agents in regard to toxicity

Answer 5

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Question 6

Compare and contrast medically important antiparasitic agents in regard to mechanism of action

Answer 6

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Question 7

Compare and contrast medically important antiparasitic agents in regard to spectrum of activity

Answer 7

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Question 8

Compare and contrast medically important antiparasitic agents in regard to clinical use

Answer 8

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Question 9

Compare and contrast medically important antiparasitic agents in regard to toxicity

Answer 9

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Question 10

Discuss the problem and mechanistic basis for development of resistance to antimicrobial agents by fungal and parasitic pathogens

Answer 10

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