Which antifungal drug is known to disrupt fungal mitosis by interfering with microtubule formation?

Which antifungal drug is known to disrupt fungal mitosis by interfering with microtubule formation?

• A. Ketoconazole
• B. Griseofulvin
• C. Fluconazole
• D. Natamycin

Answer: (B)

Griseofulvin disrupts fungal mitosis by binding to fungal tubulin and inhibiting microtubule formation, which prevents the assembly of the mitotic spindle and stops cell division. This mechanism specifically targets the process of cell division rather than the fungal cell membrane. The other agents act differently: azoles like ketoconazole and fluconazole inhibit ergosterol synthesis, weakening the membrane, while natamycin binds membrane sterols to form pores. Griseofulvin’s action, along with its tendency to concentrate in keratin-rich tissues, makes it effective for dermatophyte infections of skin, hair, and nails by halting fungal growth through mitotic arrest.

Griseofulvin disrupts fungal mitosis by binding to fungal tubulin and inhibiting microtubule formation, which prevents the assembly of the mitotic spindle and stops cell division. This mechanism specifically targets the process of cell division rather than the fungal cell membrane. The other agents act differently: azoles like ketoconazole and fluconazole inhibit ergosterol synthesis, weakening the membrane, while natamycin binds membrane sterols to form pores. Griseofulvin’s action, along with its tendency to concentrate in keratin-rich tissues, makes it effective for dermatophyte infections of skin, hair, and nails by halting fungal growth through mitotic arrest.