Fungi B & Antifungal Treatments (EXAM IV) Flashcards
Why are their fewer effective antifungal agents?
Because of the similarity of fungal cells & human cells
It is easier to treat ______ fungal infections vs. ____ fungal infections
Superficial mycoses; systemic infections
Sterol found in fungal cell membranes; human cells have cholesterol instead of this:
Ergosterol
Where is ergosterol found?
In fungal cell memrbanes
Antifungal treatment that binds ergosterol in fungal membranes:
Polyene compounds
Give an example of a polyene compound used to treat systemic disease:
Amphotericin B
Give an example of a polyene compound used to treat topical disease:
Nystatin
Polyene compounds cause ______ leading to:
Altered membrane permeability; leading to leakage of cell constituents & cell death
Polyenes bind ____ in mammalian cells but this is less strongly than they bind ___
Cholesterol; ergosterol
What is the basis for drug toxicity with the use of polyene compounds?
Their ability to bind cholesterol in mammalian cells
Why is Filipin a potent but toxic antifungal agent?
Due to the binding of cholesterol
Terbinafine (TBF) acts on Ergosterol biosynthetic pathway at the _____ step
Squaline Epoxidase
Itraconazole (ITZ) acts on Ergosterol biosynthetic pathway at the _____ step
C14-Demethylase
Function to block ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting squalene epoxidase activity:
Allylamines
Give an example of allylamine that functions to block ergosterol synthesis:
Terbinafine (TBF)
Allylamines are mainly effective on the:
Dermatophytes
What form of allylamines are most effective on dermatophytes?
Topical or tablet formulations
Function to block ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting cytochrome P450-dependent 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylation:
Azoles
What was the first oral azole?
Ketoconazole
What are some downfalls to Ketoconazole (the first oral azole)?
Significant numbers of side effects & drug interactions
What was created to supersede/replace Ketoconazole?
Itraconazole
Itraconazole is preferred over Ketoconazole because:
Active against many fungi & has improved safety profile
What fungal species is Itraconazole effective against?
- Candida species
- Cryptococcus
- Aspergillus
- Endemic (systemic) fungi
- Dermaphytes
Antifungal agent that inhibits the synthesis of Beta-(1,3)-D-glucan, an essential component of fungal cell walls:
echinocandins
What is the significance of echinocandins inhibiting the synthesis of Beta-(1,3)-D-glucan?
This is an essential component of fungal cell walls
Echinocandins are ______ compared to agents that target cell membrane components
More selective
Echinocandins can be considered _____ against Aspergillus & Candida species
Narrow spectrum
Why are echinocandins considered narrow spectrum against Aspergillus & Candida species?
Because these fungi have larger amounts of Beta-(1,3)-D-glucans
(and this is the target of these agents)
Antifungal drug mechanism that interferes with fungal protein & DNA synthesis:
Pyrimidine inhibition
A type of echinocandin that is administered intravenously & has minimal toxicity:
Caspofungin
Pyrimidine inhibition interferes with:
Fungal protein & DNA synthesis
Antifungal drug mechanism “pyrimidine inhibition” is active against what fungal species?
Candida species & cryptococcus neoformans
Why must antifungal drugs using the mechanism “pyrimidine inhibition” ALWAYS be used in combination with another antifungal?
Because resistance develops quickly if used alone
High risk categories for opportunistic mycoses include:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Burn victims
- Long-term IV catheter users
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy
- Diabetes mellitus
Candidiasis is caused by the fungal species (3):
- Candida albicans
- Candid glabrata
- Candida parapsilosis
Predominant species of candida colonizing humans & responsible for most candidiasis infections:
Candida albicans
Responsible for some candidiasis infections & often resistant to some antifungals:
Candida glabrata
Responsible for some candidiasis infections & common cause of catheter-related infections:
Candida parapsilosis
What are two categories of diseases caused by candidiasis:
Local disease vs. systemic invasive disease