The combination of fluconazole with either ibuprofen, sodium salicylate, or propylparaben resulted in synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory index, <0.5) against Candida albicans NCYC 610 in a microdilution checkerboard assay. Synergism between miconazole and ibuprofen was also demonstrated. In three of four clinical isolates of C. albicans from AIDS patients, the combination of fluconazole and ibuprofen was synergistic. Preparation of the inoculum and the growth conditions used were those recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards for susceptibility testing. A visual estimation of total inhibition of growth and determination of an 80% reduction in the optical density at 492 nm compared with those for the control were taken as endpoints for the calculation of synergy, and a good correlation between both estimates was demonstrated.

(2015). Hydrogel antimicrobial capture coatings for endotracheal tubes; a pharmaceutical strategy designed to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The increasing incidence of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infection is a disturbing phenomenon resulting in significant patient mortality and putting considerable strain on healthcare budgets and personnel. One particularly serious aspect of nosocomial infection is that of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This arises in patients who receive mechanical ventilation within the intensive care unit. The quoted incidence of VAP varies widely (5-67%) and the reported mortality of patients with VAP is in the range of 24-71%. This review will examine the many factors that account for these wide ranges reported, including the patient population under investigation, the causative organism, the method of diagnosis, interventions employed and preventative strategies. The use of bioactive and drug-impregnated biomaterials for endotracheal tube construction is discussed as novel approaches to the prevention of VAP.