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

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