Infusion of lipoproteins into volunteers enhances the growth of Candida albicans

Infusion of reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDL) is being studied in clinical trials as an adjunctive therapy for gram-negative sepsis. Sinc e no data are available on its possible effects in systemic candidiasis, we investigated the effect of rHDL infusion into volunteers on the growth of Candida albicans. C. albicans growth was 10- to 100-fold higher in the plas ma of volunteers infused with 80 or 100 mg/kg rHDL than in plasma collected before infusion; administration of 60 mg/kg rHDL had marginal effects. In vitro, the isolated lipoprotein subfractions had a growth-promoting effect on C. albicans. These data suggest potential adverse effects of rHDL if inf used into patients with systemic candidiasis. Thus, rHDL infusion into pati ents with sepsis caused by an unknown microorganism may be contraindicated.