The In vitro Effect of Nanoliposomal Amphotericin B Against Rhizopus arrhizus Isolated From COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis Patients

Author: mycolabadmin
1/10/2025
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Summary

Scientists tested a new nano-formulation of the antifungal drug amphotericin B against a dangerous fungus (Rhizopus arrhizus) that infected COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis. The nanoliposomal version of the drug worked much better than regular amphotericin B and other antifungal medications currently used, showing much lower concentrations needed to kill the fungus. This research suggests the new nano-formulation could be a more effective treatment option for patients with this serious COVID-19 related fungal infection.

Background

Rhizopus arrhizus is a major cause of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), a serious invasive fungal infection with high mortality rates. Nanoliposomal amphotericin B (NLAmB) offers enhanced drug delivery and reduced side effects compared to conventional antifungal formulations.

Objective

To assess the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of nanoliposomal amphotericin B against R. arrhizus isolates from CAM patients and compare its efficacy with conventional antifungals including amphotericin B, posaconazole, and isavuconazole.

Results

NLAmB demonstrated superior in vitro efficacy (MIC50/90: 0.063/0.25 μg/ml) compared to amphotericin B (MIC50/90: 0.5/4 μg/ml), posaconazole, and isavuconazole. All isolates showed wild-type susceptibility to NLAmB with low MICs (≤1 μg/ml), while 31 isolates showed non-wild-type susceptibility to conventional antifungals.

Conclusion

NLAmB exhibited sustained and superior antifungal activity against R. arrhizus, making it a promising alternative to liposomal amphotericin B for treating CAM. Further clinical validation and investigation are warranted to confirm NLAmB’s efficacy in clinical treatment settings.

Published in:Iran Journal of Pathology,
Study Type:In vitro Experimental Study,
Source: PMID: 40060223; DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2024.2033626.3320