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An imidazole derivative (econazole) as an antifungal agent in cell culture systems

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Summary

Econazole, an imidazole derivative, was tested as an antifungal agent in different cell culture systems. In comparison with Fungizone, Econazole has the following advantageous properties: higher stability, higher solubility, better antifungal activity against contaminants of cell cultures and a wider range between minimal inhibitory to cytotoxic concentration withAspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans andPenicillium sp., activity against gram-positive bacteria and lower price. Econazole exerts no antiviral effect and can therefore be used for virus isolation from heavily contaminated material. The antagonistic effect of serum on the antifungal effect of Econazole and Fungizone was comparable as was the inhibitory effect of both antimycotics onMycoplasma growth. In view of the above mentioned properties Econazole lactic acid can be recommended as an antifungal agent for cell culture systems at a concentration of 1 μg per ml.

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Wyler, R., Murbach, A. & Möhl, H. An imidazole derivative (econazole) as an antifungal agent in cell culture systems. In Vitro 15, 745–750 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02618300

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