Question 1

One class of antifungal drugs inhibits glucan synthesis, thereby blocking production of the major structural component of the fungal cell wall. Which of the following drugs has this mechanism of action?

A) Polyenes
B) Azoles
C) Triazoles
D) Echinocandins
E) Griseofulvin

Echinocandins

Accepted Answer

Caspofungin is the first echinocandin compound to gain approval for use in the United States. It blocks production of B-1,3-D-glucans, the major structural component of the fungal cell wall, by inhibition of glucan synthesis.

Question 2

Amphotericin B is most commonly associated with the following adverse effect:&#10;A) Gastric hemorrhage&#10;B) Renal toxicity&#10;C) Pulmonary fibrosis&#10;D) Thyroid dysfunction&#10;E) Congestive heart failure

Accepted Answer

Amphotericin B causes a decrease in glomerular filtration rate results from vasoconstrictive actions on afferent arterioles.

Question 3

Ketoconazole is of the azole class of antifungal medications. What is its mechanism of action?&#10;A) Inhibits mitosis&#10;B) Inhibit DNA synthesis&#10;C) Bind to sterols in the cell membrane&#10;D) Inhibit synthesis of membrane sterols&#10;E) Inhibits ribosomal protein translation

Accepted Answer

Azoles inhibit synthesis of membrane sterols by inhibiting incorporation or synthesis of ergosterol. These agents interact with cytochrome P450-dependent 14-α-demethylase, and ergosterol is not produced as a result.

Deck 50: Antifungal Agents