A 43-year-old man with a fever, chest discomfort, and hemoptysis visits the emergency room. He had previously undergone a course of chemotherapy for a hematologic malignancy. Neutropenia caused by the chemotherapeutic drugs is evident in laboratory tests. On a chest CT, a nodule with surrounding hypoattenuation is visible. Assays for galactomannan and beta-D-glucan are increased. Aspergillus can develop in sputum cultures. Amphotericin B is administered intravenously to the patient. He has headaches, rigors, and hypotension while receiving the infusion. Amphotericin is blamed for the deterioration in renal function that occurs during the following several days. These toxic effects are likely due to binding of the antifungal agent to which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Amphotericin B works as an antifungal by binding to the ergosterol found in fungal cell membranes. However, it also partially binds cholesterol, poisoning human tissues. Nephrotoxicity, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia are amphotericin B's main side effects.

A 43-Year-Old Man with a Fever, Chest Discomfort, and Hemoptysis