In Vitro Assessment of Antileishmanial Activity of Natamycin and Nystatin

ABSTRACT The present study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial activity of four different concentrations of natamycin and nystatin by using MTT 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction assay. In vitro antileishmanial activity revealed that the IC50 of natamycin (80.49 μg/ml) and nystatin (105.7 μg/ml) was less than that of sodium stibogluconate (127.9 μg/ml), and more than amphotericin B (18.91 μg/ml).

Anagen effluvium secondary to Gloriosa superba ingestion.

Anagen effluvium, the shedding of anagen hair, leads to diffuse non-scarring alopecia. We report two cases of anagen effluvium in the same family secondary to the ingestion of tubers of Gloriosa superba, which contains the antimitotic alkaloid colchicine. Both patients developed anagen effluvium and gastroenteritis 1–2 weeks after consuming the tubers. In addition, one of them had bicytopenia, pleural effusion, hematuria and altered liver function tests. Both were managed conservatively and counseled regarding the reversible nature of the hair loss. Follow‑up at 3 months showed regrowth of hair in both the cases.

Comparative efficacy of intralesional sodium stibogluconate (SSG) alone and its combination with intramuscular SSG to treat localized cutaneous leishmaniasis: Results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Intralesional sodium stibogluconate (SSG) has become first line therapy for localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). AIMS: This study compares the efficacy of intralesional SSG given alone with that of intralesional SSG combined with intramuscular SSG. METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged between 5-56 years were included in the study. The first group received three injections of intralesional SSG on alternate days while the other group received three injections of intralesional SSG similar to the first group and the rest of the calculated dose as a simultaneous, intramuscular injection. Patients were followed up every four weeks to assess for cure/ the need for repeating the treatment. RESULTS: Five patients from group 1 having small nodular lesions of < six months duration were cured after 1-2 treatment cycles. However, six patients with mucosal lesions, large lesions and lesions of > six months duration needed 3-5 treatment schedules. Most plaques and mucosal lesions in seven patients in group 2 cleared with two treatment cycles. CONCLUSION: Intralesional combined with intramuscular SSG appears more effective in LCL and gave qualitatively superior healing than intralesional SSG given alone.