Teratogenicity caused by Voriconazole (anti-fungal drug) on Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Abstract With the Increased cases of fungal infections which affects majority of population at different stages and situations, one such section of population is of pregnant females. Rate and susceptibility of fungal infections is particularly higher in pregnant females as the immunity of the mother is compromised. Infections like Invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis and candidemia are being treated with new age triazole antifungals- voriconazole. Prolonged and high concentrations of this drug is associated with various developmental anomalies. With this aim teratogenic studies were performed on pregnant female mice during gestation and weaning period to observe the effects of voriconazole at different concentrations (8mg/kgb.w., 10mg/kg b.w., and 20mg/kg b.w.). Pregnant dams subjected to 20mg/kg b.w. voriconazole had small litter size and high resorptions. Presence of 14 th rib, asymmetry in sternebrae and craniofacial defects were some of skeletal anomalies in foetus and pups subjected to 10mg/kg b.w. and 20 mg/kg b.w. concentration of voriconazole.