Which of the following antifungal agents exerts its effect by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- Fluconazole is an antifungal agent that works by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which is essential for ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes.
- This inhibition leads to disruption of membrane integrity and fungal cell death.
- In contrast, Amphotericin B binds directly to ergosterol, Caspofungin inhibits β-glucan synthesis (cell wall), and Griseofulvin interferes with microtubule function.
Thus, Fluconazole’s mechanism is specifically through inhibition of ergosterol synthesis.
Reference: Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, Chapter 46