Which antifungal class does Amphotericin B belong to?

Amphotericin B is classified under the polyenes, a group of antifungal agents characterized by their mechanism of action. Polyenes primarily work by binding to ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. This binding disrupts the integrity of the membrane, leading to cell lysis and ultimately the death of the fungal cell.

The polyene class includes other agents as well, but Amphotericin B is one of the most well-known and widely used due to its broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Understanding the action and classification of antifungals is crucial for selecting appropriate treatments for various mycotic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or severe cases. For instance, the other classes mentioned, like azoles, allylamines, and echinocandins, have different targets and mechanisms of action. Azoles inhibit ergosterol synthesis, allylamines target a specific enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, and echinocandins inhibit the synthesis of the fungal cell wall. However, it is the distinct mechanism of the polyenes, particularly Amphotericin B, that highlights its classification and therapeutic use in treating severe fungal infections.