Enhanced efficacy of a liposomal pentamidine preparation in Pneumocystis carinii in an ex vivo/in vitro culture model without feederlayer cells
Sahm, M.; Wingen, F.; Hager, J.; Seitz, H.M.
Applied Parasitology 37(2): 137-145
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0943-0938 PMID: 8688862 Document Number: 460764
The effects of pentamidine isethionate, phosphatidylcholine-liposomes (PPC-lip) and combinations of both on the survival of Pneumocystis carinii trophozoites in a culture system without feederlayer cells were quantified. Pentamidine or PPC-lip alone reduced significantly the number of cells, with a clear dose dependence. Combinations of both drugs showed overadditive effects on cell counts reduction. Additional EM-investigations showed a rapid destruction of cell structures especially with the pentamidine/phospholipids combinations. Our results could justify clinical tests with these combinations in AIDS patients in order to reduce the pentamidine dose, reduce local side effects with inhaled pentamidine while at least maintaining efficacy.