The antifungal activity of caspofungin in combination with antifungals or non-antifungals against Candida species in vitro and in clinical therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Candida species have been regarded as global health threats due to their ability to cause invasive infections. It is challenging to treat Candida bloodstream infections, which are associated with high mortality levels. Monotherapy with antifungals is sometimes not effective against severe Candida infections, and combination therapy is needed in clinical practice. AREAS COVERED: This review was undertaken based on data from a PubMed search for English language reports published before March 2021 by using the terms 'caspofungin,' 'Candida species,' 'combination therapy,' 'antifungal effect,' and 'novel antifungal agent.' EXPERT OPINION: Combination therapy is an empirical strategy for treating refractory Candida infections. Caspofungin has been recommended to treat candidaemia. Caspofungin in combination therapy has some applications, while the efficacy of combination therapy in the treatment of refractory Candida infections needs more study, such as randomized controlled trials. In addition, novel compounds or drugs with potential antifungal activities have been examined, and some of them exhibit synergistic interactions with caspofungin. Thus, the antifungal activity of caspofungin in combination with antifungals or non-antifungals against Candida species in vitro and in clinical therapy is summarized.

[The pharmacodynamic research on fuxiye, a Chinese herbal lotion for external wash].

OBJECTIVE: To observe antisepsis, anti-swelling, and therapeutic effects of Fuxiye (FXY), a Chinese medical lotion for external wash in treating vaginitis model rats. METHODS: The cervicitis rat model was induced by agar plate diffusion, ear auricle swelling induced by dimethylbenzene, and chemical stimulus. The in vitro antibiotic actions of FXY were observed. Besides, its effects on the swelling and inflammation in model rats were also observed. RESULTS: FXY at 25 mg/mL could completely inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, pyogenic Streptococcus, and Streptococcus agalactiae. FXY at 50 mg/mL could completely inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. It obviously restrained dimethylbenzene induced ear auricle swelling. It significantly alleviated cervicitis induced by chemical stiumli. CONCLUSION: FXY showed better effects on antisepsis, anti-inflammation, and treating cervicitis.