Efficacy of itraconazole inhalations for prevention of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice

Objective To evaluated the effectiveness of aerosolizing itraconazole as prophylaxis against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by Aspergillus fumigates in an established model. Methods Immunocompromised ICR mice received either itraconazole by intraperitoneal injection or by aerosolization or combination therapy.Dosing began 2 days prior or after pulmonary incoculation with A. fumigates and continued until 7 days after pulmonary incoculation.Survival and pulmonary fungal burden were assessed. Results The use of aerosolization of itraconazole as a prophylactic agent or combination therapy, was effective in reducing pulmonary fungal burden and mortality of immunosuppressed animals with pulmonary aspergillosis. Conclusions Aerosol administration of itraconazole used as prophylactic, can be an additional approach to optimizing treatment of IPA. Key words: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; Itraconazole; Prophylaxis; Treatment; Inhaled