The effects of amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and the combination of both drugs on lymphocyte function in vitro were investigated. Amphotericin B, alone or in combination with 5-fluorocytosine, significantly suppressed both spontaneous lymphocyte transforTnation and the response of lymphocytes to stimulation with streptokinse-streptodornase. 5-Fluorocytosine had no 273, 1977). However, immunostimulatory effects of AmB also have been reported in murine systems (4,10,11,14,15,20). The effects of 5-FC and the combination of 5-FC and AmB on the immune system have not been studied.The effects of these antifungal agents on the immune system may be of great significance in the treatment of patients with fungal diseases. Immunosuppression could be detrimental to successful treatment of fungal infections. On the other hand, immunostimulatory effects of antifungal antibiotics could prove to be a useful adjunct to host defenses against fungi. This study specifically evaluated the effect of AmB, 5-FC, and the combination of both drugs on Band T-lymphocyte function in vitro.
MATERIALS AND METHODS