Efficacy of liposome-bound amphotericin B for the treatment of experimental fungal endophthalmitis in rabbits.

The efficacy of intravitreally administered amphotericin B was evaluated. Experimental fungal infections were produced by inoculation of Candida albicans organisms into the vitreous cavities of 46 rabbit eyes. After 72 hr, eight eyes received intravitreal injections of 10 micrograms of free amphotericin B; and ten eyes each received 10 micrograms, 20 micrograms, and 40 micrograms of liposome-bound amphotericin B. The remaining eight eyes served as controls: four eyes received dextrose solution and four eyes received empty liposomes. Histopathologic examination 8 weeks after inoculation showed clear vitreous without retinal damage in groups treated with either 10 micrograms free amphotericin B or 20 micrograms of liposome-bound drug. All eyes in the control group and six eyes (60%) in the group treated with 10 micrograms of liposome-bound amphotericin B developed vitreous abscesses with evidence of fungal infection. In eyes treated with 40 micrograms of liposome-bound amphotericin B, fungal infection was successfully eradicated, but retinal damage was detected in all eyes by light microscopy. It is proposed that a reduced toxicity of intravitreally injected liposome-bound drugs is accompanied by reduced efficacy. In the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis, an increased dosage of liposome-bound amphotericin B (above that dosage of free drug which would be required) is suggested.