IMIPENEM INHIBITS IN-VITRO ACTIVITY OF AMPHOTERICIN-B DIRECTED AGAINST ASPERGILLUS-FUMIGATUS

A decrease of the susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus strains to a mphotericin B was found when tested in combination with high concentra tions (128-2048 mg/l) of the antibacterial agent imipenem by checkerbo ard titration and agar diffusion assay. Only bacteriologically active imipenem showed the antagonism. The mechanism of action is unknown. Ho wever, imipenem and amphotericin B did not react directly, as shown by checkerboard titration with bacterial strains as well as by HPLC anal ysis. It is concluded that imipenem medication may influence the effic acy of amphotericin B treatment in aspergillosis.