Marvin Gorman

Chapter 13. Antifungal Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes antifungal agents. Based on the observations of 128 patients, griseofulvin therapy (1 g per day) was indicated for Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), Tinea unguium , and Tinea capitis ; this antibiotic had limited utility in the treatment of other Tineas caused by species of Trichophyton. A correlation of Trichophyton rubrum resistance to griseofulvin with clinical failure was observed. A 5% griseofulvin ointment was a useful topical treatment for many dermatophytoses; however, it was suggested that for scalp and nail infections systemic treatment should always be combined with local therapy. This antibiotic was reported to be a successful treatment of Raynauds disease, an uncommon skin malady in children. The biosynthetic origin of pyrrolnitrin was also studied. Because the yield of this antifungal agent is increased when D -tryptophan is added to pyrrolnitrin-producing cultures, this amino acid appears to be a specific precursor. Incorporation of 14 C-labeled tryptophan yielded pyrrolnitrin containing 18% of the radioactivity. As the level of added tryptophan increases, 3-chloroindole and 3-(2′-amino-3′-chloropheny1)-4-chloropyrrole were observed. This latter compound, when reintroduced into a fresh culture, rapidly converted to pyrrolnitrin. Excess 3-chloroindole added to the culture inhibits production of the antifungal substance.