J. Wiesner, S. Borrmann, H. Jomaa
Jun 1, 2003
Citations
6
Influential Citations
128
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Parasitology Research
Abstract
Abstract. In malaria parasites, isoprenoids are synthesised by the mevalonate independent 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate (DOXP) pathway. Fosmidomycin, a natural antibiotic originally developed for the treatment of bacterial infections, represents an inhibitor of DOXP reductoisomerase, an essential enzyme of this pathway. In recent clinical studies it was shown that fosmidomycin is effective in curing uncomplicated Plasmodiumfalciparum malaria in humans. The treatment was well tolerated and resulted in a fast parasite and fever clearance. However, the high rate of recrudescence precludes the use of fosmidomycin as a monotherapy. In drug combination studies, synergy of fosmidomycin with clindamycin was observed. Clinical studies with a fosmidomycin-clindamycin combination are currently ongoing.