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Efficacy of Rezafungin on Candida albicans Endophthalmitis in a Rabbit Model

Summary

Researchers tested a new antifungal medication called rezafungin to treat a serious eye infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Using rabbit models, they found that rezafungin was much more effective than two other antifungal drugs at clearing the infection from the eye and preventing damage to vision. The drug’s ability to work for longer periods with less frequent dosing makes it a promising candidate for treating this devastating infection in patients.

Background

Endophthalmitis is a severe intraocular infection that can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. Candida albicans accounts for 60-65% of fungal endophthalmitis cases, but current antifungal treatments have limited ocular penetration and efficacy.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of rezafungin, a novel echinocandin antifungal with extended half-life, compared to micafungin and voriconazole in treating hematogenous Candida albicans endophthalmitis in a rabbit model.

Results

Rezafungin treatment resulted in no detectable CFUs in aqueous humor, vitreous humor, or choroid-retina, with the lowest kidney fungal burden (< 0.5 log CFUs/g). Rezafungin showed significantly lower eye lesion scores (0 ± 0) compared to micafungin (1.9 ± 1.4) and voriconazole (2.5 ± 1.8).

Conclusion

Rezafungin demonstrated superior antifungal activity compared to voriconazole and micafungin in treating C. albicans endophthalmitis, effectively reducing ocular fungal burden and preventing lesion formation, suggesting promise for clinical investigation.
  • Published in:Pathogens and Immunity,
  • Study Type:In Vivo Animal Model Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41143137, DOI: 10.20411/pai.v10i2.873
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