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Malec K, Mikołajczyk A, Marciniak D, Gawin-Mikołajewicz A, Matera-Witkiewicz A, Karolewicz B, Nawrot U, Khimyak YZ, Nartowski KP. Pluronic F-127 Enhances the Antifungal Activity of Fluconazole against Resistant Candida Strains. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:215-231. [PMID: 38109184 PMCID: PMC10795414 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Candida strains as the most frequent causes of infections, along with their increased drug resistance, pose significant clinical and financial challenges to the healthcare system. Some polymeric excipients were reported to interfere with the multidrug resistance mechanism. Bearing in mind that there are a limited number of marketed products with fluconazole (FLU) for the topical route of administration, Pluronic F-127 (PLX)/FLU formulations were investigated in this work. The aims of this study were to investigate (i) whether PLX-based formulations can increase the susceptibility of resistant Candida strains to FLU, (ii) whether there is a correlation between block polymer concentration and the antifungal efficacy of the FLU-loaded PLX formulations, and (iii) what the potential mode of action of PLX assisting FLU is. The yeast growth inhibition upon incubation with PLX formulations loaded with FLU was statistically significant. The highest efficacy of the azole agent was observed in the presence of 5.0 and 10.0% w/v of PLX. The upregulation of the CDR1/CDR2 genes was detected in the investigated Candida strains, indicating that the efflux of the drug from the fungal cell was the main mechanism of the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Malec
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Mikołajczyk
- Screening Biological Activity Assays and Collection of
Biological Material Laboratory, Wroclaw Medical University,
211a Borowska Str, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dominik Marciniak
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gawin-Mikołajewicz
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz
- Screening Biological Activity Assays and Collection of
Biological Material Laboratory, Wroclaw Medical University,
211a Borowska Str, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bożena Karolewicz
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Nawrot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and
Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str,
50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Yaroslav Z. Khimyak
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, University of East
Anglia, Chancellors Drive, NR4 7TJ Norwich, U.K.
| | - Karol P. Nartowski
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 211a Borowska Str, 50-556
Wroclaw, Poland
- School of Pharmacy, University of East
Anglia, Chancellors Drive, NR4 7TJ Norwich, U.K.
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Vázquez-Prieto S, Vaamonde A, Paniagua E. An Analysis of the Use of Systemic Antifungals (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Terbinafine) in Galicia, Spain, between 2019 and 2022. Diseases 2024; 12:22. [PMID: 38248373 PMCID: PMC10814849 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present work, we examined the consumption of systemic antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine) in outpatients in the four provinces of Galicia, Spain, between 2019 and 2022. We also described the variability in the use of these types of drugs between these provinces. In addition, we detected any deviation in consumption at a seasonal level and analyzed possible changes during the study period. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the use of antifungals, expressed in terms of a defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day, was carried out. The results obtained revealed statistically significant differences between provinces and by the active principle consumed in the four Galician provinces (p < 0.001), which can be explained by multiple factors. This study also revealed that there was stable consumption during the study period, with no significant seasonal differences observed. This study represents a contribution to the knowledge about the consumption of antifungals for systemic use in Galicia and serves as a basis for subsequent studies. This will allow us to understand the consumption patterns of these types of drugs and, ultimately, will help to establish stewardship strategies and prevent the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severo Vázquez-Prieto
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Núcleo de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Antonio Vaamonde
- Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Esperanza Paniagua
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación en Análisis Químicos y Biológicos (IAQBUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Hassoun N, Kassem II, Hamze M, El Tom J, Papon N, Osman M. Antifungal Use and Resistance in a Lower-Middle-Income Country: The Case of Lebanon. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1413. [PMID: 37760710 PMCID: PMC10525119 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Antifungal resistance is often underestimated in both healthcare and non-clinical settings. In LMICs, it is believed that the inappropriate use of antifungals, limited surveillance systems, and low diagnostic capacities are significant drivers of resistance. Like other LMICs, Lebanon lacks antifungal use and resistance surveillance programs, and the impact of antifungal resistance in the country remains unclear, especially during the unfolding economic crisis that has severely affected medical care and access to safe food and water. Interestingly, the widespread use of antifungals in medicine and agriculture has raised concerns about the development of antifungal resistance in Lebanon. In this light, we aimed to survey available antifungal drugs in the country and evaluate susceptibility patterns of prevalent fungal species to guide empiric treatments and develop antifungal stewardship programs in Lebanon. We noted that the economic crisis resulted in significant increases in antifungal drug prices. Additionally, a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases identified 15 studies on fungal infections and antifungal resistance conducted from 1998 to 2023 in Lebanon. While data on antifungal resistance are limited, 87% of available studies in Lebanon focused on candidiasis, while the remaining 13% were on aspergillosis. Overall, we observed a marked antimicrobial resistance among Candida and Aspergillus species. Additionally, incidences of Candida auris infections have increased in Lebanese hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a uniform resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin-B. Taken together, a One Health approach, reliable diagnostics, and prudent antifungal use are required to control the spread of resistant fungal pathogens in healthcare and agricultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Hassoun
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA;
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Jad El Tom
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon;
| | - Nicolas Papon
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France;
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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El Zakhem A, Mahmoud O, Zakhour J, Nahhal SB, El Ghawi N, Omran N, El Sheikh WG, Tamim H, Kanj SS. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology and Outcomes of Candidemia: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:769. [PMID: 37504757 PMCID: PMC10381108 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections, notably candidemia, have been associated with COVID-19. The epidemiology of candidemia has significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to identify the microbiological profile, resistance rates, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC) compared to patients with candidemia not associated with COVID-19. We retrospectively collected data on patients with candidemia admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2004 and 2022. We compared the epidemiology of candidemia during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we compared the outcomes of critically ill patients with CAC to those with candidemia without COVID-19 from March 2020 till March 2022. Among 245 candidemia episodes, 156 occurred prior to the pandemic and 89 during the pandemic. Of the latter, 39 (43.8%) were CAC, most of which (82%) were reported from intensive care units (ICU). Non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. were predominant throughout the study period (67.7%). Candida auris infection was the most common cause of NAC spp. in CAC. C. glabrata had decreased susceptibility rates to fluconazole and caspofungin during the pandemic period (46.1% and 38.4%, respectively). The mortality rate in the overall ICU population during the pandemic was 76.6%, much higher than the previously reported candidemia mortality rate observed in studies involving ICU patients. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between CAC and non-CAC (75.0% vs. 78.1%; p = 0.76). Performing ophthalmic examination (p = 0.002), CVC removal during the 48 h following the candidemia (p = 0.008) and speciation (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with a lower case-fatality rate. The epidemiology of candidemia has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at our center. Rigorous infection control measures and proper antifungal stewardship are essential to combat highly resistant species such as C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline El Zakhem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Omar Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Johnny Zakhour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Sarah B Nahhal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Ghawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Omran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Walaa G El Sheikh
- Biostatistics Unit, Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
| | - Hani Tamim
- Biostatistics Unit, Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut 110236, Lebanon
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Egilman AC, Rome BN, Kesselheim AS. Added Therapeutic Benefit of Top-Selling Brand-name Drugs in Medicare. JAMA 2023; 329:1283-1289. [PMID: 37071095 PMCID: PMC10114018 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.4034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Importance The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 authorizes Medicare to negotiate prices of top-selling drugs based on several factors, including therapeutic benefit compared with existing treatment options. Objective To determine the added therapeutic benefit of the 50 top-selling brand-name drugs in Medicare in 2020, as assessed by health technology assessment (HTA) organizations in Canada, France, and Germany. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, publicly available therapeutic benefit ratings, US Food and Drug Administration documents, and the Medicare Part B and Part D prescription drug spending dashboards were used to determine the 50 top-selling single-source drugs used in Medicare in 2020 and to assess their added therapeutic benefit ratings through 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures Ratings from HTA bodies in Canada, France, and Germany were categorized as high (moderate or greater) or low (minor or no) added benefit. Each drug was rated based on its most favorable rating across countries, indications, subpopulations, and dosage forms. We compared the use and prerebate and postrebate (ie, net) Medicare spending between drugs with high vs low added benefit. Results Forty-nine drugs (98%) received an HTA rating by at least 1 country; 22 of 36 drugs (61%) received a low added benefit rating in Canada, 34 of 47 in France (72%), and 17 of 29 in Germany (59%). Across countries, 27 drugs (55%) had a low added therapeutic rating, accounting for $19.3 billion in annual estimated net spending, or 35% of Medicare net spending on the 50 top-selling single-source drugs and 11% of total Medicare net prescription drug spending in 2020. Compared with those with high added benefit, drugs with a low added therapeutic rating were used by more Medicare beneficiaries (median 387 149 vs 44 869) and had lower net spending per beneficiary (median $992 vs $32 287). Conclusions and Relevance Many top-selling Medicare drugs received low added benefit ratings by the national HTA organizations of Canada, France, and Germany. When negotiating prices for these drugs, Medicare should ensure they are not priced higher than reasonable therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C. Egilman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin N. Rome
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron S. Kesselheim
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Program on Regulation, Therapeutics, and Law (PORTAL), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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