Amphotericin B is used in the treatment of which type of infection?

Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication primarily utilized in the treatment of mycotic fungal infections. It works by binding to ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes, leading to increased permeability and ultimately cell death. This mechanism is specifically effective against a broad range of fungi, including those that can cause serious systemic infections such as cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis.

Understanding that Amphotericin B is tailored for fungal infections is critical, as it does not exhibit efficacy against bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections due to the distinct biological structures and life processes of these organisms. Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, viral infections with antivirals, and parasitic infections with anthelmintics or antiprotozoals. Therefore, recognizing the specific use of Amphotericin B in combating mycotic infections is essential for appropriate treatment selection in veterinary pharmacology.