AMPHOTERICIN- B

AMPHOTERICIN- B

Subject : Science & tech

Context : An anti-fungal drug used in the treatment of a rare infection called mucormycosis, or “black fungus”, is in short supply across states in India.

Concept :

• It is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration obtained in body fluids and the susceptibility of the fungus.
• The antibiotic is without effect on bacteria, rickettsiae, and viruses.
• The drug acts by binding to sterols (ergosterol) in the cell membrane of susceptible fungi.
• It creates a transmembrane channel and the resultant change in membrane permeability allowing leakage of intracellular components.
• Amphotericin B, a polyene, binds irreversibly to ergosterol, resulting in disruption of membrane integrity and ultimately cell death.

Importance of Amphotericin B

• It shows a high order of in vitro activity against many species of fungi.
• Histoplasmacapsulatum, Coccidioidesimmitis, Candida species, Blastomycesdermatitidis, Rhodotorula, Cryptococcus neoformans, Sporothrixschenckii, Mucormucedo, and Aspergillus fumigatus are all inhibited by concentrations of amphotericin B.
• It is a polyene antifungal antibiotic produced by Streptomyces nodosus, with antifungal activity.