In vitro isavuconazole activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis suggests its efficacy in some severe sporotrichosis cases

Abstract

Background: Sporothrix brasiliensis causes sporotrichosis, an important infection in some groups of patients. Aims: This work was designed to investigate the effects of isavuconazole against this species. Methods: An antifungal susceptibility test was performed to compare MIC values with other antifungal drugs used to treat sporotrichosis. A checkerboard assay was performed to understand isavuconazole interactions. Furthermore, isavuconazole growth inhibition on an itraconazole-resistant strain was tested. Results: Isavuconazole had similar MICs to other azoles against S. brasiliensis, presenting fungistatic activity. Isavuconazole did not interact in vitro with antifungals or immunosuppressive drugs and inhibited the growth of an itraconazole-resistant strain. Conclusion: Isavuconazole inhibits S. brasiliensis, its pharmacologic characteristics make it a candidate for patients with sporotrichosis and it may be useful to combat sporotrichosis caused by resistant isolates.