Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2008, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 118-120.

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In vitro effects of lovastatin and simvastatin against clinical isolates of Aspergillus species

  

  • Received:2007-02-06 Revised:2007-05-08 Online:2008-03-15 Published:2008-02-15

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the in vitro activity of lovastatin and simvastatin, alone or in combination with azoles or amphotericin B against clinical isolates of Asper- gillus species. Methods The antifungal activities of both statins against A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger strains were tested with disk diffusion assay and standard broth microdilution method. The interactive effects between the statins and itraconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B against Aspergillus spp. were examined with disk diffusion assay, and agar dilution plus E-test methods, respectively. Results As demonstrated by disk diffusion method, lovastatin and simvastatin were active against Aspergillus spp.. The MIC ranges of lovastatin and simvastatin at 48 h were 8-128 μg/mL and 4-64 μg/mL, respectively, and the difference between their MFCs and MICs was within 2-fold dilution. However, 20 μg of either of the statins could not produce clear inhibition zone against non-fumigatus aspergillus. The MICs of lovastatin and simvastatin at 48 h were 128 μg/mL and 64 μg/mL against A. flavus, respectively, and > 256 μg/mL against both A. terreus and A. niger. No synergism was observed in the effects against Aspergillus spp. between the statins and itraconazole, voriconazole or amphotericin B. Conclusions Both lovastatin and simvastatin are active against Aspergillus spp., and there is no synergism between them and azoles or amphotericin B in this effect.