Synergistic effects of tacrolimus and azoles against Exophiala dermatitidis

Abstract

In vitro interactions of tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, and azoles, including itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, against planktonic cells and biofilms of Exophiala dermatitidis were assessed via a broth microdilution checkerboard technique. A total of 16 clinical isolates were studied. The results revealed favorable synergistic inhibitory activity between tacrolimus and itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole against 68.8%, 87.5%, and 100% of tested strains of planktonic E. dermatitidis, respectively. However, limited synergism was observed against biofilms of E. dermatitidis. No antagonism was observed in all combinations.