Electron Microscopic Study on the Effect of Newly Developed Antifungal Agents on the Ultrastructure of Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the cellular consequences of the antifungal action of micafungin, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and liposomal amphotericin B. Therefore, we examined the morphological changes induced by fungicidal or fungistatic concentrations of these drugs on growing hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus by using electron microscopy. Our results revealed that micafungin and voriconazole primarily affect cell wall formation, resulting in growth inhibition and cell lysis. In contrast, amphotericin B and liposomal amphotericin B affect the cytoplasmic membrane and the membranes of intracellular organelles, thereby leading lead to cell death.