# Propranolol is efficacious against Aspergillus and Fusarium corneal isolates in vitro and in a murine model of Aspergillus keratitis

## TL;DR

Propranolol, a beta-blocker, shows antifungal effects against corneal fungi in lab tests and in a mouse model, suggesting it could be a new treatment for fungal eye infections.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates propranolol's efficacy against Aspergillus and Fusarium in vitro and in a murine model of keratitis.

## Key findings

- Propranolol displays antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Fusarium corneal isolates in vitro.
- Propranolol blocks disease establishment in a murine model of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.

## Abstract

Fungal keratitis is a severe corneal infection most commonly caused by filamentous fungi. Even with prompt treatment with current antifungals, it often results in corneal perforation and blindness. In this report, we observe that the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, displays antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Fusarium corneal isolates in vitro and strikingly blocks disease establishment in a murine model of Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. These findings suggest that beta-blockers have potential as a novel FK treatment.

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00997035 (MUTT Trial).