Abstract

Systemic fungal infections are responsible for high mortality rates. Several species of fungi may be involved, but Candida spp. is the most prevalent. Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and also exhibits antifungal action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic action of simvastatin with fluconazole against strains of Candida spp. Susceptibility testing was performed according to protocol M27-A3, by broth microdilution method and the synergistic effect of simvastatin and fluconazole was calculated based on FICI (Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index). Eleven strains were evaluated, and simvastatin showed a synergistic effect with fluconazole against 10 (91%) of the Candida spp. strains tested. Simvastatin may be a valuable drug in the treatment of systemic infections caused by Candida spp.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Menezes EA, Vasconcelos Júnior AA, Silva CL, Plutarco FX, Cunha Mda C, Cunha FA

Institution

Laboratory of Microbiology of Yeasts, Department of Clinical Analysis and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.

Source

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo 54:4 2012 Aug pg 197-9

MeSH

Antifungal Agents
Candida
Drug Synergism
Fluconazole
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Simvastatin

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22850990