Efficacy of voriconazole against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a guinea-pig model

We compared the efficacies of amphotericin B and voriconazole against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a guinea-pig model. A susceptible isolate of Aspergillus fumigatus was used to produce the infection. Voriconazole-treated animals had significantly better survival and decreased fungal burden in the lungs as compared with controls. Although no statistical difference was seen between the efficacies of voriconazole and amphotericin B, a trend favouring voriconazole was noted. Thus, voriconazole, with its cidal activity, may be an attractive alternative to potentially toxic amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.