Farmakiotis, D., Shirazi, F., Zhao, Y., Saad, P.J., Albert, N.D., Roilides, E., Walsh, T.J., Perlin, D.S., Kontoyiannis, D.P. (2014). Methylprednisolone Enhances the Growth of Exserohilum rostratum In Vitro, Attenuates Spontaneous Apoptosis, and Increases Mortality Rates in Immunocompetent Drosophila Flies.  J. infect. Dis. 210(9): 1471--1475.

FBrf0226527

Research paper

High concentrations of methylprednisolone (0.32 mg/mL) accelerated growth and attenuated spontaneous apoptosis of Exserohilum rostratum in vitro. Injection of E. rostratum conidia preexposed to 0.32 mg/mL of methylprednisolone for 7 days in immunocompetent flies led to increased mortality and a higher fungal burden. Exposure to methylprednisolone could enhance the virulence of E. rostratum.