Antileishmanial activity of amphotericin and other antifungal agents entrapped in liposomes

Abstract

A number of anitfungal agents have been investigated in a rodent model for their parasiticidal activity against visceral leishmaniasis. These drugs have been administered intravenously both alone, and in conjunction with liposomes. All the compounds tested: griseofulvin, 5-fluorocytosine, and amphotericin B—together with the known antileishmanial drug pentamidine—displayed enhanced therapeutic activity when given in liposomal form. In the case of amphotericin, liposomes composed of hydrogenated lecithins, or containing cholesterol or ergosterol in the membrane, were least toxic to the mammalian host, and had the highest therapeutic capability.