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Rai M, Ingle AP, Törős G, Prokisch J. Assessing the efficacy of carbon nanodots derived from curcumin on infectious diseases. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39317385 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2409401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The threat of new, emerging, and multidrug-resistant microbes is increasing which has created the necessity for new antimicrobials. In this regard, nanotechnology can be an alternative for the treatment of infectious microbes. Curcumin has been used since ancient times as antimicrobials; however, it has limitations due to its less aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and biocompatibility. This problem can be solved by curcumin-derived carbon nanodots, which are emerging antimicrobials of <10 nm size, water-soluble, biocompatible, less toxic, and fluorescent. AREAS COVERED The review discusses the application of curcumin-derived carbon nanodots against various pathogenic microbes including bacteria and dreaded viruses like SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the role of curcumin carbon nanodots in biolabelling of pathogenic microbes, mechanism of action, bioimaging, and therapy has been critically examined. EXPERT OPINION Carbon nanodots play an important role in combating pathogenic microbes by early diagnosis, bioimaging, nanocarrier for antimicrobial drugs, and therapy of infectious diseases. Curcumin carbon nanodots have already demonstrated their benefits of being water soluble, bioavailable, and biocompatible. However, more thorough research is needed to understand the efficacy and safety of curcumin carbon nanodots. In the future, curcumin-derived carbon nanodots can be used as alternative antimicrobial agents to fight microbial infections including multidrug-resistant microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, India
- Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Avinash P Ingle
- Biotechnology Centre, Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. PDKV, Akola, India
| | - Gréta Törős
- Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- School of Animal Husbandry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - József Prokisch
- Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Holzknecht J, Marx F. Navigating the fungal battlefield: cysteine-rich antifungal proteins and peptides from Eurotiales. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1451455. [PMID: 39323611 PMCID: PMC11423270 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1451455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous in the environment and play a key role in the decomposition and recycling of nutrients. On the one hand, their special properties are a great asset for the agricultural and industrial sector, as they are used as source of nutrients, producers of enzymes, pigments, flavorings, and biocontrol agents, and in food processing, bio-remediation and plant growth promotion. On the other hand, they pose a serious challenge to our lives and the environment, as they are responsible for fungal infections in plants, animals and humans. Although host immunity opposes invading pathogens, certain factors favor the manifestation of fungal diseases. The prevalence of fungal infections is on the rise, and there is an alarming increase in the resistance of fungal pathogens to approved drugs. The limited number of antimycotics, the obstacles encountered in the development of new drugs due to the poor tolerability of antifungal agents in patients, the limited number of unique antifungal targets, and the low species specificity contribute to the gradual depletion of the antifungal pipeline and newly discovered antifungal drugs are rare. Promising candidates as next-generation therapeutics are antimicrobial proteins and peptides (AMPs) produced by numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms belonging to all kingdom classes. Importantly, filamentous fungi from the order Eurotiales have been shown to be a rich source of AMPs with specific antifungal activity. A growing number of published studies reflects the efforts made in the search for new antifungal proteins and peptides (AFPs), their efficacy, species specificity and applicability. In this review, we discuss important aspects related to fungi, their impact on our life and issues involved in treating fungal infections in plants, animals and humans. We specifically highlight the potential of AFPs from Eurotiales as promising alternative antifungal therapeutics. This article provides insight into the structural features, mode of action, and progress made toward their potential application in a clinical and agricultural setting. It also identifies the challenges that must be overcome in order to develop AFPs into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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Kulkarni NA, Nanjappa SG. Advances in Dendritic-Cell-Based Vaccines against Respiratory Fungal Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:981. [PMID: 39340013 PMCID: PMC11435842 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12090981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Ever since the discovery of dendritic cells by Ralph Steinman and Zanvil Cohn in 1973, it is increasingly evident that dendritic cells are integral for adaptive immune responses, and there is an undeniable focus on them for vaccines development. Fungal infections, often thought to be innocuous, are becoming significant threats due to an increased immunocompromised or immune-suppressed population and climate change. Further, the recent COVID-19 pandemic unraveled the wrath of fungal infections and devastating outcomes. Invasive fungal infections cause significant case fatality rates ranging from 20% to 90%. Regrettably, no licensed fungal vaccines exist, and there is an urgent need for preventive and therapeutic purposes. In this review, we discuss the ontogeny, subsets, tissue distribution, and functions of lung dendritic cells. In the latter part, we summarize and discuss the studies on the DC-based vaccines against pulmonary fungal infections. Finally, we highlight some emerging potential avenues that can be incorporated for DC-based vaccines against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Som G. Nanjappa
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Bisen AC, Sanap SN, Agrawal S, Biswas A, Mishra A, Verma SK, Singh V, Bhatta RS. Etiopathology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Fungal Keratitis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2356-2380. [PMID: 38847789 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a severe ocular condition resulting from corneal infection that is prevalent in tropical countries, particularly in developing regions of Asia and Africa. Factors like corneal lens misuse, inappropriate steroid use, and diagnostic challenges have provoked the epidemic. FK causes significant vision impairment, scarring, and ocular deformities. Accurate pathological diagnosis is crucial for effective therapeutic intervention. Topical antifungal therapy with surface healing medications proves effective in preventing fungal-borne ulcers. Managing FK requires a comprehensive understanding of fungal pathogenesis, guiding formulation strategies and preventive measures to curb global ocular blindness. This review provides in-depth insights into FK, covering etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions, antifungal resistance, limitations, prevention, and future perspectives on ocular surface disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol Chhatrapati Bisen
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
- Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility and Research, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sachin Nashik Sanap
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Sristi Agrawal
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Arpon Biswas
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Anjali Mishra
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Sarvesh Kumar Verma
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Vaishali Singh
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Rabi Sankar Bhatta
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
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Akuri MC, Bencardino JT, Peixoto JB, Sato VN, Miyahara LK, Kase DT, Dell'Aquila AM, do Amaral E Castro A, Fernandes ARC, Aihara AY. Fungal Musculoskeletal Infections: Comprehensive Approach to Proper Diagnosis. Radiographics 2024; 44:e230176. [PMID: 38900682 DOI: 10.1148/rg.230176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Fungal musculoskeletal infections often have subacute or indolent manifestations, making it difficult to distinguish them from other diseases and infections, given that they are relatively uncommon. Fungal infections occur by hematogenous spread, direct inoculation, or contiguous extension and may be related to different risk factors, including immunosuppression and occupational activity. The infection can manifest in isolation in the musculoskeletal system or as part of a systemic process. The fungi may be endemic to certain regions or may be found throughout the world, and this can help to narrow the diagnosis of the etiologic agent. Infections such as candidiasis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis are often related to immunosuppression. On the other hand, histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis can occur in healthy patients in geographic areas where these infections are endemic. Furthermore, infections can be classified on the basis of the site of infection in the body. Some subcutaneous infections that can have osteoarticular involvement include mycetoma, sporotrichosis, and phaeohyphomycosis. Different fungi affect specific bones and joints with greater prevalence. Imaging has a critical role in the evaluation of these diseases. Imaging findings include nonspecific features such as osteomyelitis and arthritis, with bone destruction, osseous erosion, mixed lytic and sclerotic lesions, and joint space narrowing. Multifocal osteomyelitis and chronic arthritis with joint effusion and synovial thickening may also occur. Although imaging findings are often nonspecific, some fungal infections may show findings that aid in narrowing the differential diagnosis, especially when they are associated with the patient's clinical condition and history, the site of osteoarticular involvement, and the geographic location. ©RSNA, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Akuri
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Jenny T Bencardino
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Júlia B Peixoto
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Vitor N Sato
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Lucas K Miyahara
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Daisy T Kase
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Adriana M Dell'Aquila
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Adham do Amaral E Castro
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - Artur R C Fernandes
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
| | - André Y Aihara
- From the Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Napoleão de Barros Street, 800 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 04024-002 (M.C.A., J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.d.A.e.C., A.R.C.F., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil (M.C.A.); Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (J.T.B.); Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratório Delboni, DASA, São Paulo, Brazil (J.B.P., V.N.S., L.K.M., D.T.K., A.Y.A.); Department of Radiology, Hospital do Coração, HCor and Teleimagem, São Paulo, Brazil (V.N.S.); Department of Infectious Diseases, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (A.M.D.); Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil (A.d.A.e.C.); and Department of Radiology, Grupo de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem-Rede D'Or, São Paulo, Brazil (A.R.C.F.)
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Barac A, Vujovic A, Peric J, Tulic I, Stojanovic M, Stjepanovic M. Rethinking Aspergillosis in the Era of Microbiota and Mycobiota. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:49. [PMID: 38864956 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillosis encompasses a wide range of clinical conditions based on the interaction between Aspergillus and the host. It ranges from colonization to invasive aspergillosis. The human lung provides an entry door for Aspergillus. Aspergillus has virulence characteristics such as conidia, rapid growth at body temperature, and the production of specific proteins, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites that allow A. fumigatus to infiltrate the lung's alveoli and cause invasive aspergillosis. Alveolar epithelial cells play an important role in both fungus clearance and immune cell recruitment via cytokine release. Although the innate immune system quickly clears conidia in immunocompetent hosts, A. fumigatus has evolved multiple virulence factors in order to escape immune response such as ROS detoxifying enzymes, the rodlet layer, DHN-melanin and toxins. Bacterial co-infections or interactions can alter the immune response, impact Aspergillus growth and virulence, enhance biofilm formation, confound diagnosis, and reduce treatment efficacy. The gut microbiome's makeup influences pulmonary immune responses generated by A. fumigatus infection and vice versa. The real-time PCR for Aspergillus DNA detection might be a particularly useful tool to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis. Metagenomics analyses allow quick and easy detection and identification of a great variety of fungi in different clinical samples, although optimization is still required particularly for the use of NGS techniques. This review will analyze the current state of aspergillosis in light of recent discoveries in the microbiota and mycobiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ankica Vujovic
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Peric
- Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Tulic
- Clinic for Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Stojanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mihailo Stjepanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Pulmonology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Jiang J, Keniya MV, Puri A, Zhan X, Cheng J, Wang H, Lin G, Lee YK, Jaber N, Hassoun Y, Shor E, Shi Z, Lee SH, Xu M, Perlin DS, Dai W. Structural and Biophysical Dynamics of Fungal Plasma Membrane Proteins and Implications for Echinocandin Action in Candida glabrata. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596243. [PMID: 38854035 PMCID: PMC11160696 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Fungal plasma membrane proteins represent key therapeutic targets for antifungal agents, yet their structure and spatial distribution in the native context remain poorly characterized. Herein, we employ an integrative multimodal approach to elucidate the structural and functional organization of plasma membrane protein complexes in Candida glabrata , focusing on prominent and essential membrane proteins, the polysaccharide synthase β-(1,3)-glucan synthase (GS) and the proton pump Pma1. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and live cell imaging reveal that GS and Pma1 are heterogeneously distributed into distinct plasma membrane microdomains. Treatment with caspofungin, an echinocandin antifungal that targets GS, alters the plasma membrane and disrupts the native distribution of GS and Pma1. Based on these findings, we propose a model for echinocandin action that considers how drug interactions with the plasma membrane environment lead to inhibition of GS. Our work underscores the importance of interrogating the structural and dynamic characteristics of fungal plasma membrane proteins in situ to understand function and facilitate precisely targeted development of novel antifungal therapies.
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Pfaller M, Huband M, Bien PA, Carvalhaes CG, Klauer A, Castanheira M. In vitro activity of manogepix and comparators against infrequently encountered yeast and mold isolates from the SENTRY Surveillance Program (2017-2022). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0113223. [PMID: 38205999 PMCID: PMC10848754 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01132-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Manogepix is a potent new antifungal agent targeting the fungal Gwt1 enzyme. Manogepix has previously demonstrated potent in vitro activity against clinical isolates of both Candida (except Candida krusei) and Aspergillus species. This study determined the in vitro activity of manogepix and comparators against a large collection of infrequently encountered yeast and molds. Manogepix demonstrated potent in vitro activity against infrequently encountered yeasts exhibiting elevated MIC values to other drug classes, including Candida spp. (MIC50/90, 0.008/0.12 mg/L), Saprochaete clavata (Magnusiomyces clavatus) (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), Magnusiomyces capitatus (MICrange, 0.016-0.06 mg/L), Rhodotorula minuta (MIC, 0.016 mg/L), and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.12 mg/L). Similarly, manogepix was active against infrequently encountered mold isolates and strains exhibiting elevated MIC/MEC values to echinocandins, azoles, and amphotericin B, including Coprinopsis cinerea (MEC, 0.004 mg/L), Fusarium spp. (MEC50/90, 0.016/0.06 mg/L), Fusarium (Gibberella) fujikuroi species complex (MEC50/90, 0.016/0.03 mg/L), Lomentospora prolificans (MEC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), Microascus cirrosus (MEC, 0.008 mg/L), Paecilomyces spp. (MEC50/90, ≤0.008/0.016 mg/L), Pleurostomophora richardsiae (MEC, 0.06 mg/L), Sarocladium kiliense (MEC range, 0.016-0.12 mg/L), and Scedosporium spp. (MEC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L). Manogepix demonstrated potent activity against a majority of the infrequently encountered yeast and mold isolates tested including strains with elevated MIC/MEC values to other drug classes. Additional clinical development of manogepix (fosmanogepix) in difficult-to-treat, resistant fungal infections is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pfaller
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, lowa, USA
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, lowa, USA
| | | | - Paul A. Bien
- PAB Pharma Consulting LLC, San Diego, California, USA
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Adejor J, Tumukunde E, Li G, Lin H, Xie R, Wang S. Impact of Lysine Succinylation on the Biology of Fungi. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:1020-1046. [PMID: 38392183 PMCID: PMC10888112 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in protein functionality and the control of various cellular processes and secondary metabolites (SMs) in fungi. Lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is an emerging protein PTM characterized by the addition of a succinyl group to a lysine residue, which induces substantial alteration in the chemical and structural properties of the affected protein. This chemical alteration is reversible, dynamic in nature, and evolutionarily conserved. Recent investigations of numerous proteins that undergo significant succinylation have underscored the potential significance of Ksuc in various biological processes, encompassing normal physiological functions and the development of certain pathological processes and metabolites. This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Ksuc and its diverse functions in fungi. Both conventional investigation techniques and predictive tools for identifying Ksuc sites were also considered. A more profound comprehension of Ksuc and its impact on the biology of fungi have the potential to unveil new insights into post-translational modification and may pave the way for innovative approaches that can be applied across various clinical contexts in the management of mycotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Adejor
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Elisabeth Tumukunde
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guoqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Bahrami R, Sodagar A, Pourhajibagher M, Mirhashemi AH. The effect of different concentration of emodin nanoparticles, as an antibacterial agent, on the flexural resistance of acrylic resin used in orthodontics: An in vitro study. Int Orthod 2023; 21:100811. [PMID: 37774500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ortho.2023.100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of emodin nanoparticles (n-Emo) on the flexural strength of acrylic resin used in orthodontics. METHODS A total of 24 acrylic resin discs were prepared according to ISO:20795-1 and divided into four groups (n=6): 0% n-Emo, 0.5% n-Emo, 1% n-Emo, and 2% n-Emo. The flexural strength of each group was measured using the Universal Testing Machine. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS The highest flexural strength values were observed in the groups containing 0% and 0.5% concentrations of n-Emo, while the lowest mean flexural strength was recorded in the group containing 2% concentration of n-Emo. There were significant difference in flexural strength values between the groups containing 0% with those containing 1% and 2% concentrations (P=0.045, P=0.011, respectively), as well as between those containing 0.5% and 2% concentrations of n-Emo (P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS The results of the study showed that the incorporation of n-Emo had a negative impact on the flexural strength of the acrylic resin utilized in orthodontics. Nonetheless, the mean flexural strength values of all groups fell within the normal range, implying that the addition of n-Emo did not jeopardize the mechanical properties of the acrylic resin. It is therefore conceivable that the use of n-Emo as an antimicrobial agent in acrylic resin could be a promising approach to reducing enamel demineralisation and dental caries, while preserving its mechanical properties. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (1401-2-398-54892).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashin Bahrami
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Sodagar
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Pourhajibagher
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Mirhashemi
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Andrade-Pavón D, Sánchez-Sandoval E, Tamariz J, Ibarra JA, Hernández-Rodríguez C, Villa-Tanaca L. Inhibitors of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Decrease the Growth, Ergosterol Synthesis and Generation of petite Mutants in Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16868. [PMID: 38069194 PMCID: PMC10706242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata and Candida albicans, the most frequently isolated candidiasis species in the world, have developed mechanisms of resistance to treatment with azoles. Among the clinically used antifungal drugs are statins and other compounds that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), resulting in decreased growth and ergosterol levels in yeasts. Ergosterol is a key element for the formation of the yeast cell membrane. However, statins often cause DNA damage to yeast cells, facilitating mutation and drug resistance. The aim of the current contribution was to synthesize seven series of compounds as inhibitors of the HMGR enzyme of Candida ssp., and to evaluate their effect on cellular growth, ergosterol synthesis and generation of petite mutants of C. glabrata and C. albicans. Compared to the reference drugs (fluconazole and simvastatin), some HMGR inhibitors caused lower growth and ergosterol synthesis in the yeast species and generated fewer petite mutants. Moreover, heterologous expression was achieved in Pichia pastoris, and compounds 1a, 1b, 6g and 7a inhibited the activity of recombinant CgHMGR and showed better binding energy values than for α-asarone and simvastatin. Thus, we believe these are good candidates for future antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce Andrade-Pavón
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alc. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico or (D.A.-P.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Eugenia Sánchez-Sandoval
- Core Facilities Department, Gothenburg University, Medicinaregatan 9 A-B, 41390 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Joaquín Tamariz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alc. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - Jose Antonio Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alc. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - César Hernández-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alc. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico or (D.A.-P.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala S/N, Col. Santo Tomás, Alc. Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico or (D.A.-P.); (C.H.-R.)
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Zheng L, Xu Y, Dong Y, Ma X, Wang C, Yang F, Guo L. Chromosome 1 trisomy confers resistance to aureobasidin A in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1128160. [PMID: 37007527 PMCID: PMC10063858 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1128160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCandida albicans is a prevalent opportunistic human fungal pathogen. However, there are currently very few antifungal treatments available. Inositol phosphoryl ceramide synthase is an essential and fungal-specific protein that also provides a novel and promising antifungal target. Aureobasidin A is a widely used inhibitor of inositol phosphoryl ceramide synthase, however the mechanism of resistance to aureobasidin A is largely unknown in pathogenic fungi.MethodsHere we investigated how C. albicans adapted to low and high concentrations of aureobasidin A.Results and discussionsWe identified trisomy of chromosome 1 as the predominant mechanism of rapid adaptation. Resistance to aureobasidin A was unstable because of the inherent instability of aneuploids. Importantly, chromosome 1 trisomy simultaneously regulated genes which were associated with aureobasidin A resistance that are on this aneuploid chromosome as well as on other chromosomes. Furthermore, the pleiotropic effect of aneuploidy caused altered resistance not only to aureobasidin A but also to other antifungal drugs including caspofungin and 5-flucytosine. We posit aneuploidy provides a rapid and reversible mechanism of development of drug resistance and cross resistance in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Yubo Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaowen Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangsheng Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liangsheng Guo,
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Li Pomi F, Papa V, Borgia F, Vaccaro M, Allegra A, Cicero N, Gangemi S. Rosmarinus officinalis and Skin: Antioxidant Activity and Possible Therapeutical Role in Cutaneous Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030680. [PMID: 36978928 PMCID: PMC10045493 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis L., one of the main members of the Lamiaceae family, is currently one of the most promising herbal medicines due to its pharmaceutical properties. This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant role of Rosmarinus officinalis and its bioactive compounds on the skin, with a focus on the newly emerging molecular mechanisms involved, providing extensive scientific evidence of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing and anticancer activity in dermatological practice. The search was conducted on articles concerning in vitro and in vivo studies in both animals and humans. The results obtained confirm the antioxidant role of R. officinalis. This assumption derives the possibility of using R. officinalis or its bioactive elements for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious skin pathologies. However, although the use of rosemary in the treatment of skin diseases represents a fascinating line of research, future perspectives still require large and controlled clinical trials in order to definitively elucidate the real impact of this plant and its components in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Papa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Haematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Departement of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Thanyasrisung P, Satitviboon W, Howattanapanich S, Matangkasombut O. Antifungal drug resistance in oral Candida isolates from HIV-infected and healthy individuals and efficacy of chitosan as an alternative antifungal agent. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 147:105628. [PMID: 36680835 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate antifungal resistance in oral Candida isolates and the efficacy of chitosan, a natural polymer, against drug-resistant Candida. DESIGN Oral Candida isolates were collected from HIV-infected and healthy individuals in our previous study (n = 66 isolates/group). The minimum-inhibitory-concentration (MIC) of amphotericin-B and fluconazole was determined by Epsilometer test. Minimal-fungicidal-concentration (MFC) of 3 chitosan derivatives: high-molecular-weight chitosan (HMWC, 150-200 kDa), oligomer (7-9 kDa) and polymer (900-1000 kDa) chitosan, were investigated by agar dilution method. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. RESULTS Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans were significantly more prevalent in HIV-infected than in healthy individuals (P = 0.02), while amphotericin-B-resistant C. parapsilosis were more common in healthy individuals (P = 0.03). The majority of Candida isolates were killed by HMWC at ≤ 40 mg/ml, as well as by oligomer and polymer chitosan at ≤ 6 mg/ml. Remarkably, chitosan was effective against most antifungal drug-resistant isolates. CONCLUSIONS Antifungal drug resistance was prevalent among oral C. albicans isolates from HIV-infected individuals. Chitosan could serve as a complementary antifungal agent against drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panida Thanyasrisung
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Excellence on Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 Thailand.
| | - Wuttika Satitviboon
- DDS program, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | | | - Oranart Matangkasombut
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Excellence on Oral Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330 Thailand; Research Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210 Thailand.
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15
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Vu K, Buckley BJ, Bujaroski RS, Blumwald E, Kelso MJ, Gelli A. Antifungal activity of 6-substituted amiloride and hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) analogs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1101568. [PMID: 36923593 PMCID: PMC10009331 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1101568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have become an increasing threat as a result of growing numbers of susceptible hosts and diminishing effectiveness of antifungal drugs due to multi-drug resistance. This reality underscores the need to develop novel drugs with unique mechanisms of action. We recently identified 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), an inhibitor of human Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1, as a promising scaffold for antifungal drug development. In this work, we carried out susceptibility testing of 45 6-substituted HMA and amiloride analogs against a panel of pathogenic fungi. A series of 6-(2-benzofuran)amiloride and HMA analogs that showed up to a 16-fold increase in activity against Cryptococcus neoformans were identified. Hits from these series showed broad-spectrum activity against both basidiomycete and ascomycete fungal pathogens, including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiem Vu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin J. Buckley
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard S. Bujaroski
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (ATMCF), Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eduardo Blumwald
- Department of Plant Sciences, PRB Building, University of California, Davis, CA, Australia
| | - Michael J. Kelso
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Angie Gelli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Genome and Biomedical Sciences Facility, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Angie Gelli,
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Farooq H, Monowar T, Latt SS, Chinni SV, Zainol NH, Sabesan GS. A Review of Studies on Candida Species in Peninsular Malaysia. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:98. [PMID: 36660752 PMCID: PMC9843594 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_3_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on the epidemiology and the antifungal susceptibility of Candida species infections in Malaysia is still limited. The study aimed to review and compare studies reporting the prevalence of Candida species and antifungal susceptibility of Candida infections in Peninsular Malaysia. Data from 22 studies published between 2009 and 2018. Data was collected using National Center for Biotechnology Information and Google Scholar using the keywords "Candida and Malaysia." Around 19 Candida species were identified in a total of 35,608 Candida isolates analyzed in these studies. In most studies examined, C. albicans (66.3%) was the predominant species, followed by C. glabrata (11.7%), C. parapsilosis (10.7%), C. tropicalis (9.5%), and C. krusei (1.19%). Vaginal swabs yielded the most isolates, followed by the respiratory system, urine, blood, oral, pus, and other locations. The demographic, racial, and gender data were recorded only in two studies. Totally, eight studies examined 396 isolates for antifungal susceptibility to common antifungal medications. The average antifungal susceptibility of isolates and efficacy of drugs in these studies ranged between 45 and 99% for most common antifungal drugs. Caspofungin had the highest susceptibility at 99%, whereas itraconazole had the lowest at only 45%. Overall, this review provided a comprehensive summary of all the current research on predominant Candida species in Peninsular Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Farooq
- Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Malaysia,Address for correspondence: Miss. Humaira Farooq, AIMST University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Batu 3 1/2, Bukit Air Nasi, Jalan Bedong—Semeling, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia. E-mail:
| | | | - Swe Swe Latt
- Faculty of Medicine, RCSI and UCD Malaysia Campus, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Suresh V. Chinni
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing MAHASA University, Selangor, Malaysia
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A New Approach for the Treatment of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with a Combination of Pea Protein, Grape Seed Extract, and Lactic Acid Assessed In Vivo. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121251. [PMID: 36547584 PMCID: PMC9787890 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered the second most common vaginal infection. Up to 8% of women in various populations experience more than three or four episodes within one year, which is regarded as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Current therapies involve antifungal drugs that provide static effects but do not prevent recurrences due to increased antimicrobial resistance; thus, alternative therapies to antifungals are needed to prevent RVVC. METHODS A murine model of Candida albicans-induced RVVC was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a topical product containing pea protein (PP), grape seed extract (GS), and lactic acid (LA) to treat recurrent infections. Mice were inoculated with three separate vulvovaginal infections of 5 × 104 cells/mL C. albicans, and histological evaluation, a myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. and an ELISA kit for Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on vaginal tissues were performed. RESULTS The data obtained highlighted that the combination of PP, GS, and LA significantly preserved vaginal tissue architecture and prevented vaginal inflammation, proving its efficacy for the management of RVVC. Moreover, the combination of PP, GS, and LA notably increased azole efficacy by adding a new mechanism of action when administered concomitantly. CONCLUSION Taken together, results demonstrated that the treatment with a combination of PP, GS, and LA is able to reduce the adhesion of C. albicans.
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18
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Pagliuca A, Akova M. Foreword. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:ii1-ii2. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Pagliuca
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - M Akova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University School of Medicine , Ankara , Turkey
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Molecular identification, phylogeny and antifungal susceptibilities of dematiaceous fungi isolated from human keratomycosis. J Infect Public Health 2022; 16:25-33. [PMID: 36459708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the dematiaceous fungal profile of patients with ocular mycoses attending a tertiary eye care hospital in Coimbatore, India METHODS: The identification of dematiaceous fungus based on their morphology, their genotypes, and the measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using microdilution method of routinely used antifungal drugs were all compared. RESULTS A total of 148 dematiaceous fungi were isolated during a study period of 27 months. Isolates were confirmed as Curvularia spp. (n = 98), Exserohilum spp. (n = 32), Alternaria spp. (n = 14), Exophiala spp. (n = 2), Cladosporium sp. (n = 1) and Aureobasidium sp. (n = 1). Out of 50 well grown isolates characterized genotypically based on the amplification and sequencing of the ITS region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and subsequent BLAST analysis, Curvularia lunata (n = 24), C. aeria (n = 1), C. spicifera (n = 8), C. hawaiiensis (n = 1), C. maydis (n = 2), C. papendorfii (n = 2), C. geniculata (n = 3), C. tetramera (n = 2) and Exs. rostratum (n = 7) were identified. In vitro antifungal susceptibilities of the most tested dematiaceous isolates showed that voriconazole had a MIC50 of 0.25 μg ml-1, while amphotericin B had a MIC50 of 0.25 μg ml-1 for Curvularia spp. and Alternaria spp. CONCLUSION Voriconazole proved to be the most effective drug against the pigmented filamentous fungi, followed by amphotericin B, itraconazole and econazole.
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Liu J, Li H, He Q, Chen K, Chen Y, Zhong R, Li H, Fang S, Liu S, Lin S. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of tetrahydroquinoline amphiphiles as membrane-targeting antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114734. [PMID: 36088756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens is one of the biggest threats to human health. The development of new antibiotics that can overcome drug resistance is in urgent need. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of amphiphilic tetrahydroquinoline derivatives as small-molecule-based antimicrobial peptidomimetics. Two lead compounds 36 and 52 which contained the tetrahydroquinoline core, hydrophobic alkyl chains (n-nonyl or isoprenyl group), different spacer lengths (n = 4 or 8), and cationic guanidine moiety, showed poor hemolytic activity, low cytotoxicity, and potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The further biological evaluation revealed that compounds 36 and 52 can kill bacteria and fungi rapidly via membrane-targeting action and avoid drug resistance development. More importantly, compounds 36 and 52 exhibited similarly potent in vivo antimicrobial activities in a murine corneal infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213 or Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027, as compared to vancomycin or gatifloxacin. These results suggest that compounds 36 and 52 have great potential as new broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents to combat microbial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Hongxia Li
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Qile He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Kaiting Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Yongzhi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Rongcui Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Haizhou Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Shanfang Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Shouping Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
| | - Shuimu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
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Sakoda Y, Matsumoto T, Kudo A, Yoshida K, Ishibashi K, Saruwatari A, Ogata T, Honda J. Asymptomatic Fungemia Due to Rhodotorula spp. Caused by a Subcutaneously Implanted Central Venous Port Catheter. Intern Med 2022; 61:2677-2680. [PMID: 35135912 PMCID: PMC9492476 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8260-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for gastrointestinal perforation. He had a history of surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer and had a subcutaneously implanted central venous port catheter. After surgery for gastrointestinal tract perforation, he developed an intra-abdominal abscess, which was treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents and improved. Following this improvement, Rhodotorula spp. was detected in a blood culture and at the catheter tip. He was asymptomatic despite having fungemia. His condition improved after the removal of the catheter and the administration of antifungal drugs. Fungemia due to Rhodotorula spp. is rare, and asymptomatic fungemia is even rarer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoritake Sakoda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Mary's Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Asuka Kudo
- Department of Medical Quality Management Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Junichi Honda
- Department of Medical Quality Management Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Japan
- Department of Infection Control, St. Mary's Hospital, Japan
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22
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Genotyping of Candida albicans and Comparison of its Antifungal Resistance Pattern in the South Indian Region. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.3.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have documented an increase in the incidence of antifungal resistance in newly emerging species closely related to C. albicans, and the coexistence of genotypic variants. Hence, an application of PCR-based molecular typing is crucial in identifying these fungi. Our study used molecular methods to characterize the latest genotypic subgroups of C. albicans and analysed if there was a relationship between the genotypes and the antifungal resistance pattern. The study was conducted in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka between July 2018 and December 2020. A total of 1427 Candida species were isolated from clinical samples. Candida albicans were isolated and confirmed using Germ tube test, ID VITEK 2 and PCR (ITS primer). DNA extraction was done using the Hi-Media Yeast DNA Extraction Kit. The amplified products were analysed using Agarose gel electrophoresis (2%). Among 1427 Candida species, 282 were Candida albicans. The following resistance was exhibited to major antifungals – Caspofungin (3.5%), Amphotericin B (1.4%), flucytosine (2.8%) Fluconazole (6%) Micafungin (2.8%) Voriconazole (3.1%) and all were sensitive to miconazole. ABC genotyping showed Genotype A (450 bp) predominant (87.58%) followed by genotype B (840bp) (9.92 %) and genotype C (450bp and 840 bp) (0.2%). Genotype D and E were not observed. Our study showed the growing antifungal resistance in clinical isolates. Genotype A was predominant in South Karnataka region followed by Genotype B and C. There was no correlation between genotyping and antifungal resistance. However, a study with greater number of samples from diverse geographical locations may give more insight.
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Overview on the Infections Related to Rare Candida species. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090963. [PMID: 36145394 PMCID: PMC9505029 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical Candida spp. infections are rising, mostly due to the increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. The most common Candida spp. is still Candida albicans; however, in the last decades, there has been an increase in non-Candida albicans Candida species infections (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis). Furthermore, in the last 10 years, the reports on uncommon yeasts, such as Candida lusitaniae, Candida intermedia, or Candida norvegensis, have also worryingly increased. This review summarizes the information, mostly related to the last decade, regarding the infections, diagnosis, treatment, and resistance of these uncommon Candida species. In general, there has been an increase in the number of articles associated with the incidence of these species. Additionally, in several cases, there was a suggestive antifungal resistance, particularly with azoles, which is troublesome for therapeutic success.
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Cai L, Gao P, Wang Z, Dai C, Ning Y, Ilkit M, Xue X, Xiao J, Chen C. Lung and gut microbiomes in pulmonary aspergillosis: Exploring adjunctive therapies to combat the disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988708. [PMID: 36032147 PMCID: PMC9411651 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Species within the Aspergillus spp. cause a wide range of infections in humans, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and are associated with high mortality rates. The incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis (PA) is on the rise, and the emergence of triazole-resistant Aspergillus spp. isolates, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, limits the efficacy of mold-active triazoles. Therefore, host-directed and novel adjunctive therapies are required to more effectively combat PA. In this review, we focus on PA from a microbiome perspective. We provide a general overview of the effects of the lung and gut microbiomes on the growth of Aspergillus spp. and host immunity. We highlight the potential of the microbiome as a therapeutic target for PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyang Cai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Basic School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Peigen Gao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyang Dai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Ning
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey
| | - Xiaochun Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, 905th Hospital of People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) Navy, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochun Xue, ; Jinzhou Xiao, ; Chang Chen,
| | - Jinzhou Xiao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hadal Science and Technology, College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochun Xue, ; Jinzhou Xiao, ; Chang Chen,
| | - Chang Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaochun Xue, ; Jinzhou Xiao, ; Chang Chen,
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Palmieri B, Condemi L, Bertozzi E, Garoia F, Vadalà M. Relapsing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Treatment with Oxygen Therapy and Hyaluronic Acid. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The aim of our open, anecdotical, retrospective, spontaneous trial has been to evaluate the efficacy of the association between high concentration oxygen and hyaluronic acid for treatment of relapsing candidiasis.METHODS. 45 women (30.9 ±4.4 years) with relapsing candidiasis, and complaining of dryness, dyspareunia, pain, appealing to our Second Opinion Medical Consultation Network, signed an informed consent form and were treated with oxygen/hyaluronic acid therapy treatment, once a week, for a total of five weeks at the outpatient clinic (Healthy Center, Sirio, Fidenza, Italy). The physicians of the Second Opinion Network followed up weekly from remote (WhatsApp, Skype) each treated patient as to state the effectiveness, tolerability, and side effects of the treatment.RESULTS. The mean VAS and VuAS scores measured at first visit were 2,660 and 2,622 and significantly (p<0,0001) reduced to 1,311 and 0,77 at last visit. The measurements of the vaginal pH and of the vaginal swab after the last treatment session confirmed significantly (p<0.0001) the absence of candidiasis. Three months later in the follow-up, the percentage of patients who had had only one VVC relapse was 4,44% (2/45), a percentage that increased just to 8,8% at six months (4/45). The elastography index was significantly (p<0.0001) increased after the last treatment session (2,55 ± 0,545 vs 4,48 ± 0,505).CONCLUSIONS. The combined oxygen therapy with hyaluronic acid gave definite therapeutic benefits in this cohort of relapsing candidiasis in the acute phase of the infection. The 6-month follow up, also detected a lower reinfection rate compared with the historical available data. The procedure is totally painless with excellent compliance by patients and no untoward effects.
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Kakehi A, Hagiya H, Iio K, Nakano Y, Ihoriya H, Taira Y, Nakamoto K, Hasegawa K, Higashikage A, Otsuka F. Candida dubliniensis fungemia in a patient with severe COVID-19: A case report. J Infect Chemother 2022; 28:1433-1435. [PMID: 35863730 PMCID: PMC9293379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Candida dubliniensis phenotypically mimics Candida albicans in its microbiological features; thus, its clinical characteristics have yet to be fully elucidated. Here we report the case of a 68-year-old Japanese man who developed C. dubliniensis fungemia during treatment for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The patient was intubated and received a combination of immunosuppressants, including high-dose methylprednisolone and two doses of tocilizumab, as well as remdesivir, intravenous heparin, and ceftriaxone. A blood culture on admission day 11 revealed Candida species, which was confirmed as C. dubliniensis by mass spectrometry. An additional sequencing analysis of the 26S rDNA and ITS regions confirmed that the organism was 100% identical to the reference strain of C. dubliniensis (ATCC MYA-646). Considering the simultaneous isolation of C. dubliniensis from a sputum sample, the lower respiratory tract could be an entry point for candidemia. Although treatment with micafungin successfully eradicated the C. dubliniensis fungemia, the patient died of COVID-19 progression. In this case, aggressive immunosuppressive therapy could have caused the C. dubliniensis fungemia. Due to insufficient clinical reports on C. dubliniensis infection based on definitive diagnosis, the whole picture of the cryptic organism is still unknown. Further accumulation of clinical and microbiological data of the pathogen is needed to elucidate their clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kakehi
- Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Koji Iio
- Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ihoriya
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Taira
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kenta Nakamoto
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kou Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akihito Higashikage
- Microbiology Division, Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Parslow BY, Thornton CR. Continuing Shifts in Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility Highlight the Need for Improved Disease Management of Invasive Candidiasis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061208. [PMID: 35744725 PMCID: PMC9228503 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a systemic life-threatening infection of immunocompromised humans, but remains a relatively neglected disease among public health authorities. Ongoing assessments of disease epidemiology are needed to identify and map trends of importance that may necessitate improvements in disease management and patient care. Well-established incidence increases, largely due to expanding populations of patients with pre-disposing risk factors, has led to increased clinical use and pressures on antifungal drugs. This has been exacerbated by a lack of fast, accurate diagnostics that have led treatment guidelines to often recommend preventative strategies in the absence of proven infection, resulting in unnecessary antifungal use in many instances. The consequences of this are multifactorial, but a contribution to emerging drug resistance is of primary concern, with high levels of antifungal use heavily implicated in global shifts to more resistant Candida strains. Preserving and expanding the utility and number of antifungals should therefore be of the highest priority. This may be achievable through the development and use of biomarker tests, bringing about a new era in improved antifungal stewardship, as well as novel antifungals that offer favorable profiles by targeting Candida pathogenesis mechanisms over cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Y. Parslow
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - Christopher R. Thornton
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
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Ríos D, Valderrama JA, Quiroga G, Michea J, Salas F, Duarte EÁ, Venegas-Casanova EA, Jara-Aguilar R, Navarro-Retamal C, Calderon PB, Benites J. Antifungal Activity and In Silico Studies on 2-Acylated Benzo- and Naphthohydroquinones. Molecules 2022; 27:3035. [PMID: 35566386 PMCID: PMC9103303 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27093035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The high rates of morbidity and mortality due to fungal infections are associated with a limited antifungal arsenal and the high toxicity of drugs. Therefore, the identification of novel drug targets is challenging due to the several resemblances between fungal and human cells. Here, we report the in vitro antifungal evaluation of two acylphenols series, namely 2-acyl-1,4-benzo- and 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinones. The antifungal properties were assessed on diverse Candida and filamentous fungi strains through the halo of inhibition (HOI) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antifungal activities of 2-acyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone derivatives were higher than those of the 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone analogues. The evaluation indicates that 2-octanoylbenzohydroquinone 4 is the most active member of the 2-acylbenzohydroquinone series, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL. In some fungal strains (i.e., Candida krusei and Rhizopus oryzae), such MIC values of compound 4 (2 and 4 μg/mL) were comparable to that obtained by amphotericin B (1 μg/mL). The compound 4 was evaluated for its antioxidant activity by means of FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays, showing moderate activity as compared to standard antioxidants. Molecular docking studies of compound 4 and ADMET predictions make this compound a potential candidate for topical pharmacological use. The results obtained using the most active acylbenzohydroquinones are promising because some evaluated Candida strains are known to have decreased sensitivity to standard antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ríos
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
| | - Jaime A. Valderrama
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
| | - Gonzalo Quiroga
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
| | - Jonathan Michea
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
| | - Felipe Salas
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
| | - Eduardo Álvarez Duarte
- Unidad de Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Edmundo A. Venegas-Casanova
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13011, Peru; (E.A.V.-C.); (R.J.-A.)
| | - Rafael Jara-Aguilar
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13011, Peru; (E.A.V.-C.); (R.J.-A.)
| | - Carlos Navarro-Retamal
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, 2 Norte 685, Talca 3460000, Chile;
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
- Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 73 Avenue E. Mounier, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julio Benites
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Casilla 121, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (D.R.); (J.A.V.); (G.Q.); (J.M.); (F.S.); (P.B.C.)
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13011, Peru; (E.A.V.-C.); (R.J.-A.)
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Isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from Immunocompromised patients in AL- Najaf Province. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022. [DOI: 10.53730/ijhs.v6ns1.6240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus. Isolated from immunocompromised patients with (Diabetes, Cancer) by different identification methods including direct examination, laboratory culture and electron microscopy. During the period from (July to September 2016), a total of 50 swab were collected from immunocompromised patients with attending to the in AL- Sadder Medical City (the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology) and (Euphrates middle Center for cancer diseases). In AL-Najaf Governorate, the samples were collected as following: 30 swab from the eyes of cancer patients who were suffering from prostate, leukemia, stomach and intestines cancer, also 20 swabs from the ears of diabetic patients. The percentage of female to male was as following, 29 females (58%) males and 21 (42%). In this study, the results show that the incidence of aspergillosis in women was higher than the male. The results of the present study reveal that the prevalence of aspergillosis from patient with cancer was more than diabetes patients which was 18 (66.66%) and 9 (33.33%), respectively.
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Mloka D, Sangeda RZ, Bwire GM, Mwambete KD. Isolation Frequency of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida Species From Cockroaches: A Cross-Sectional Study From a National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Cureus 2022; 14:e24412. [PMID: 35619852 PMCID: PMC9126435 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cockroaches are common pests in homes and hospitals. They cause allergic reactions in some individuals and are potential vectors for various infectious pathogens. The study investigated the extent to which hospital cockroaches act as vectors and reservoirs of medically important fungal pathogens on their external surfaces. Methods: Cockroaches were captured from the selected hospital locations including the burn unit, adult surgical wards, pediatric oncology wards, intern hostel kitchen, and the central kitchen of a national referral teaching hospital in Tanzania. Normal saline washings from the external surface of cockroaches were cultured on standard mycological media to facilitate isolation and identification of medically important molds and yeasts. The susceptibility of Candida species isolates to fluconazole was tested using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 microdilution method. Results: A total of 69 cockroaches were captured from various hospital sites between February and April 2017. All cockroaches captured were shown to carry medically important fungi. A total of 956 medically important fungi were isolated; 554 (57.9%) were of Candida species, 222 (23.2%) were of Aspergillus species, 30 (3.1%) were of Cladosporium species, 17 (1.8%) were of Rhizopus species, 11 (1.2%) were of Geotrichum species, nine (0.9%) were of Penicillium species, seven (0.7%) were of Alternaria species, six (0.6%) were of Fusarium species, three (0.3%) were of Mucor species, and 97 (10.1%) were of other species. Of the Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus (111, 50.0%) was the most commonly isolated, followed by Aspergillus niger (35, 15.8%) among the Aspergillus isolates. Out of the 103 selected isolates, 18 (17.5%) of the Candida isolates normally not intrinsically resistant to fluconazole demonstrated resistance to this drug. Resistance was most frequently found in Candida parapsilosis (3, 30%), Candida pseudotropicalis (10, 23.8%), and Candida glabrata (2, 18.2%). The isolates with the least proportion of resistance to fluconazole were Candida albicans (2, 6.3%). Conclusion: Cockroaches from this hospital may act as reservoirs of medically important opportunistic fungi exhibiting resistance to fluconazole.
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Restrepo-Acevedo A, Osorio N, Giraldo-López LE, D'Vries RF, Zacchino S, Abonia R, Le Lagadec R, Cuenú-Cabezas F. Synthesis and antifungal activity of nitrophenyl-pyrazole substituted Schiff bases. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.132289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Palmieri F, Koutsokera A, Bernasconi E, Junier P, von Garnier C, Ubags N. Recent Advances in Fungal Infections: From Lung Ecology to Therapeutic Strategies With a Focus on Aspergillus spp. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832510. [PMID: 35386908 PMCID: PMC8977413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are estimated to be the main cause of death for more than 1.5 million people worldwide annually. However, fungal pathogenicity has been largely neglected. This is notably the case for pulmonary fungal infections, which are difficult to diagnose and to treat. We are currently facing a global emergence of antifungal resistance, which decreases the chances of survival for affected patients. New therapeutic approaches are therefore needed to face these life-threatening fungal infections. In this review, we will provide a general overview on respiratory fungal infections, with a focus on fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Next, the immunological and microbiological mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis will be discussed. The role of the respiratory mycobiota and its interactions with the bacterial microbiota on lung fungal infections will be presented from an ecological perspective. Finally, we will focus on existing and future innovative approaches for the treatment of respiratory fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Palmieri
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Fabio Palmieri,
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe von Garnier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Niki Ubags
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Niki Ubags,
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Zhan Y, Lu C, Li S, Zhao J, Li Z, Gu Y, Ye F. Successful Management of Mixed Mycosis in HIV-Negative Patients With Different Immune Status: A Case Series Report. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:851891. [PMID: 35310841 PMCID: PMC8930925 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.851891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The limited information available on mixed mycosis involving the lungs makes the understanding of mixed fungal diseases insufficient and affects prognosis. Our study aims to improve understanding by exploring experience in the successful management of mixed fungal infections. Methods Patients who had two types of mycosis involving the lung at the same disease course were retrospectively enrolled. Results Between September 2011 and December 2019, 17 patients with proven mixed mycosis were enrolled. Four patients were immunocompromised, with one case each of lung transplantation, corticosteroid treatment, STAT3 hyper-IgE syndrome, and anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-associated immunodeficiency syndrome. Among 13 patients who were not immunocompromised, 9 had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eight cases were coinfection with Mucor and Aspergillus, 4 cases were Cryptococcus and Aspergillus, 2 cases were Talaromyces marneffei and Cryptococcus, 2 cases were Talaromyces marneffei and Aspergillus, and 1 case was Candida and Aspergillus. Seven patients were diagnosed with mixed pulmonary mycosis at almost the same time. Among the remaining 10 patients, the initial treatment was ineffective in four cases, and six patients showed a partial response to the initial antifungal treatment, but the original fungal lesions became re-enlarged. Three patients were admitted to the intensive care unit during hospitalization, and one patient died. Another Mucor coinfection patient died due to treatment refusal. Conclusion Mixed mycosis involving the lungs is not uncommon in patients without apparent immune deficiency diseases. During the management of mycosis, we recommend keeping mixed mycosis in mind for patients with a poor response to initial antifungal treatment, even in immunocompetent populations, and identifying the cause of illness through a rigorous procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Zhan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Lu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiang Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengtu Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Gu
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Ye,
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Inhibitory effects of different fractions separated from standardized extract of Myrtus communis L. against nystatin-susceptible and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans isolated from HIV positive patients. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09073. [PMID: 35299602 PMCID: PMC8920914 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is a medicinal herb that plays an essential role in treating fungal infections. The present study investigated the antifungal properties of different fractions of the M. communis L. leaf extract against Candida albicans (susceptible and resistant to nystatin). Materials and methods Total extract (TE) and petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CH), ethyl acetate (EA), and methanol (ME) fractions were prepared using the sonication method. The study used the standard strain sample (ATCC 76645) and nystatin-resistant C. albicans from oral samples of HIV-infected individuals. The identification of resistant isolate was performed using phenotypic and molecular methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the fractions along total extract were determined by microdilution method on nystatin-resistant and susceptible Candida albicans. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the total phenolic content of the extract. Results The extraction yield (w/w) was 13.50 for TE, 2.10 for PE, 2.23 for Ch, 2.14 for EA, and 10.03 for ME fractions. Chloroform extract showed good anti-candida activity against nystatin susceptible and resistant C. albicans (62.5 μg/mL). Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the greatest MIC against nystatin susceptible and resistant C. albicans (250 μg/mL). The MIC value of fluconazole was >64 μg/mL for both susceptible and -resistant strains. The amount of phenolic compounds of the total extract was reported to be equal to 5.4%, equivalent to gallic acid. Conclusion Results revealed that the PE and CH fractions showed greater antifungal effects than the total extract against both susceptible and resistant strains of Candida albicans. It can conclude that active antifungal compounds of the plant belong to a specific group of metabolites, which according to the type of solvent, probably have non-polar nature. Further separation is carrying out.
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Epidemiology of Fungal Colonization in Children Treated at the Department of Oncology and Hematology: Single-Center Experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042485. [PMID: 35206670 PMCID: PMC8872470 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Oncological patients are especially predisposed to fungal infections due to multiple risk factors and immunocompromising treatment. Epidemiological research regarding pediatric oncologic patients is still insufficient, and existing data are difficult to generalize on different populations. Therefore, we aimed to analyze fungal infections and fungal epidemiology in the Department of Oncology and Hematology of the University Children’s Hospital in Krakow with help from the Clinical Microbiology Department. During the chosen period of 2005 and 2015–2020, 2342 tests were performed in our ward on 847 patients. Analyzed samples were divided into five source groups. The amount of patients with positive test results was 62.5%. The year with the highest detection level was 2005. The most frequent pathogen was Candida albicans, with a significant decrease in tendency. An increase in non-albicans species was observed. Candida parapsilosis was not frequently observed compared to similar studies. We noticed an increase in positive results from the urinary tract material. Our results confirmed that fungal infections are still an issue, and they may indicate the efficacy of prophylaxis. The majority of our results are consistent with the literature, yet we managed to emphasize data unique to our patients’ population. Our findings are helpful in clinical work and for further studies in our center.
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Xia J, Wang Z, Li T, Lu F, Sheng D, Huang W. Immunosuppressed Patients with Clinically Diagnosed Invasive Fungal Infections: The Fungal Species Distribution, Antifungal Sensitivity and Associated Risk Factors in a Tertiary Hospital of Anhui Province. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:321-333. [PMID: 35140478 PMCID: PMC8818762 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s351260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Since the nosocomial fungal infections increasingly emerge, we extensively investigated the fungal species stratification and antifungal sensitivity profiles, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of immunosuppressed patients with clinically diagnosed invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in a tertiary hospital of Anhui province. Methods In total, 112 subjects with immunosuppressive state were enrolled from a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Central China between July 2019 and December 2021. Eight-one fungal isolates were clinically recovered by fungus-culturing approaches. The identifications were conducted through a mass spectrometry detecting platform. The susceptibilities to antifungals were tested using the broth micro-dilution method, and the possible antifungal azole-resistance mechanism in specific Candida species was availably explored by sequencing. Patient medical profiles were accessed via the digitized retrieval system of hospital, from which clinical outcomes and multiple risk factors for immunosuppressed patients with clinically diagnosed IFIs were explicitly documented for evaluation. Results Candida species predominated in clinically diagnosed IFIs of immunosuppressed patients (accounting for 88.88%), followed by Trichosporon and Aspergillus species (6.17% and 4.94%, respectively). The source types of specimen were primarily comprised of urine (41.98%), respiratory samples (33.33%) and peripheral blood (9.88%). Frequently isolated Candida and Trichosporon species exhibited a high level of in vitro sensitivity for amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine, whereas a substantial portion of Candida species including C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis complex and C. tropicalis, and Trichosporon species showed lowered sensitivity patterns toward itraconazole, fluconazole and voriconazole at different levels. Specifically, gene mutations of ERG11 were identified in azole-resistant C. tropicalis. Distinct risk factors were analyzed to be highly associated with the clinically diagnosed IFI incidence, mainly including hospitalization duration, surgical procedures, immunosuppressive treatments, underlying diseases and other conditions. Conclusion Candida, Trichosporon and Aspergillus species were the top three pathogenic fungal agents causing clinically diagnosed IFIs in immunosuppressed patients. The attenuated sensitivity to azoles in Candida and Trichosporon species needs close surveillance, and ERG11 polymorphism might contribute to azole resistance in specific Candida species. Multiple featured risk factors for immunosuppressed patients developing clinically diagnosed IFIs require further consideration during clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jinxing Xia, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China, Email ; Wei Huang, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Zhongxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanbo Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daping Sheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jinxing Xia, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China, Email ; Wei Huang, Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Saracino IM, Foschi C, Pavoni M, Spigarelli R, Valerii MC, Spisni E. Antifungal Activity of Natural Compounds vs. Candida spp.: A Mixture of Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol Shows Promising In Vitro Results. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:73. [PMID: 35052950 PMCID: PMC8773119 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. are commensal organisms of the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, blood, and vagina of animals and humans. In recent decades, the incidence of human fungal infections has increased, with Candida spp. (mainly C. albicans) infections being the most frequent, and the treatment of fungal infections is still a clinical challenge. Colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract by Candida spp. is significant because infections (e.g., candidemia and vulvovaginal candidiasis) frequently arise from commensal microorganisms. The aim of this study was to test in vitro the antifungal activity and the eventual synergistic effect of five pure components of essential oils: cinnamaldehyde, α-pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, and eugenol. These compounds were tested on 18 Candida strains (15 C. albicans, 2 C. glabrata, and 1 C. lusitaniae) derived from a culture collection of vaginal clinical strains. METHODS Fungistatic activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. For fungicidal activity, microdilution and time-kill curve protocols were set up. The checkerboard method was chosen to evaluate a possible synergistic effect of these compounds when mixed. RESULTS Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol gave the best results, inhibiting all the Candida strains and showing a highly additive effect (FICI 0.625). The cinnamaldehyde inhibition zone (IZ), MIC, and MFC means were 69 mm, 50.05 mg/L, and 109.26 mg/L respectively. Cinnamaldehyde led to the total loss of viable Candida cells within 4 h. Eugenol IZ, MIC, and MFC means were 35.2 mm, 455.42 mg/L, and 690.09 mg/L, respectively. Eugenol led to the total loss of viable fungal cells within 1 h. Treatment with α-pinene inhibited 88.9% of Candida strains, with an IZ mean of 21.2 mm, a MIC mean of 195.41 mg/L, and a MFC mean of 251.27 mg/L; this compound led to the total loss of viable fungal cells only after 24 h. Limonene inhibited only 33.3% of the tested strains and eucalyptol did not produce an inhibition halo, so these compounds were not tested further. CONCLUSIONS These characteristics, together with the well-known safety of cinnamaldehyde and eugenol for human use, make these two natural compounds the perfect candidates for the treatment of candidiasis. This was a pilot study, the purpose of which was to evaluate the best composition of a mixture to be used against intestinal and vulvovaginal candidiasis; in vivo studies are needed to confirm these very encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Maria Saracino
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Pavoni
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico St. Orsola Polyclinic, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Renato Spigarelli
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.V.); (E.S.)
| | - Maria Chiara Valerii
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.V.); (E.S.)
| | - Enzo Spisni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.V.); (E.S.)
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Pfaller MA, Carvalhaes CG, DeVries S, Rhomberg PR, Castanheira M. OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6576774. [PMID: 35511210 PMCID: PMC9075155 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies demonstrated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prevalence and susceptibility profiles of bacterial and fungal organisms. We analyzed 4821 invasive fungal isolates collected during 2018, 2019, and 2020 in 48 hospitals worldwide to evaluate the impact of this event in the occurrence and susceptibility rates of common fungal species. Isolates were tested using the CLSI broth microdilution method. While the percentage of total isolates that were C. glabrata (n = 710 isolates) or C. krusei (n = 112) slightly increased in 2020, the percentage for C. parapsilosis (n = 542), A. fumigatus (n = 416), and C. lusitaniae (n = 84) significantly decreased (P < .05). Fluconazole resistance in C. glabrata decreased from 5.8% in 2018–2019 to 2.0% in 2020, mainly due to fewer hospitals in the US having these isolates (5 vs. 1 hospital). Conversely, higher fluconazole-resistance rates were noted for C. parapsilosis (13.9 vs. 9.8%) and C. tropicalis (3.5 vs. 0.7%; P < .05) during 2020. Voriconazole resistance also increased for these species. Echinocandin resistance was unchanged among Candida spp. Voriconazole susceptibility rates in A. fumigatus were similar in these two periods (91.7% in 2018 and 2019 vs. 93.0% in 2020). Changes were also noticed in the organisms with smaller numbers of collected isolates. We observed variations in the occurrence of organisms submitted to a global surveillance and the susceptibility patterns for some organism-antifungal combinations. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the impact of this event must continue to be monitored to guide treatment of patients affected by bacterial and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pfaller
- Alternate author: Michael A. Pfaller, JMI Laboratories, 345 Beaver Kreek Centre, Suite A, North Liberty, IA 52317, USA. E-mail:
| | | | | | | | - Mariana Castanheira
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Mariana Castanheira, PhD, JMI Laboratories, 345 Beaver Kreek Centre, Suite A, North Liberty, IA 52317, USA. E-mail:
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Kumari A, Tripathi AH, Gautam P, Gahtori R, Pande A, Singh Y, Madan T, Upadhyay SK. Adhesins in the virulence of opportunistic fungal pathogens of human. Mycology 2021; 12:296-324. [PMID: 34900383 PMCID: PMC8654403 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2021.1934176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis are the most common cause of mycoses-related disease and death among immune-compromised patients. Adhesins are cell-surface exposed proteins or glycoproteins of pathogens that bind to the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents or mucosal epithelial surfaces of the host cells. The forces of interaction between fungal adhesins and host tissues are accompanied by ligand binding, hydrophobic interactions and protein-protein aggregation. Adherence is the primary and critical step involved in the pathogenesis; however, there is limited information on fungal adhesins compared to that on the bacterial adhesins. Except a few studies based on screening of proteome for adhesin identification, majority are based on characterization of individual adhesins. Recently, based on their characteristic signatures, many putative novel fungal adhesins have been predicted using bioinformatics algorithms. Some of these novel adhesin candidates have been validated by in-vitro studies; though, most of them are yet to be characterised experimentally. Morphotype specific adhesin expression as well as tissue tropism are the crucial determinants for a successful adhesion process. This review presents a comprehensive overview of various studies on fungal adhesins and discusses the targetability of the adhesins and adherence phenomenon, for combating the fungal infection in a preventive or therapeutic mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Ankita H Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Poonam Gautam
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rekha Gahtori
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Amit Pande
- Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Nainital, India
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Taruna Madan
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Mumbai, India
| | - Santosh K Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Sir J.C. Bose Technical campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
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Pérez-González N, Bozal-de Febrer N, Calpena-Campmany AC, Nardi-Ricart A, Rodríguez-Lagunas MJ, Morales-Molina JA, Soriano-Ruiz JL, Fernández-Campos F, Clares-Naveros B. New Formulations Loading Caspofungin for Topical Therapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Gels 2021; 7:259. [PMID: 34940319 PMCID: PMC8701247 DOI: 10.3390/gels7040259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) poses a significant problem worldwide affecting women from all strata of society. It is manifested as changes in vaginal discharge, irritation, itching and stinging sensation. Although most patients respond to topical treatment, there is still a need for increase the therapeutic arsenal due to resistances to anti-infective agents. The present study was designed to develop and characterize three hydrogels of chitosan (CTS), Poloxamer 407 (P407) and a combination of both containing 2% caspofungin (CSP) for the vaginal treatment of VVC. CTS was used by its mucoadhesive properties and P407 was used to exploit potential advantages related to increasing drug concentration in order to provide a local effect. The formulations were physically, mechanically and morphologically characterized. Drug release profile and ex vivo vaginal permeation studies were performed. Antifungal efficacy against different strains of Candida spp. was also evaluated. In addition, tolerance of formulations was studied by histological analysis. Results confirmed that CSP hydrogels could be proposed as promising candidates for the treatment of VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Pérez-González
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.P.-G.); (A.N.-R.); (J.L.S.-R.); (B.C.-N.)
| | - Nuria Bozal-de Febrer
- Department of Biology, Healthcare and the Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 27-31 Joan XXIII Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ana C. Calpena-Campmany
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 27-31 Joan XXIII Ave., 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Nardi-Ricart
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.P.-G.); (A.N.-R.); (J.L.S.-R.); (B.C.-N.)
| | - María J. Rodríguez-Lagunas
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A. Morales-Molina
- Department of Pharmacy, Torrecárdenas University Hospital, s/n Hermandad de Donantes de Sangre St., 04009 Almeria, Spain;
| | - José L. Soriano-Ruiz
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.P.-G.); (A.N.-R.); (J.L.S.-R.); (B.C.-N.)
| | | | - Beatriz Clares-Naveros
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (N.P.-G.); (A.N.-R.); (J.L.S.-R.); (B.C.-N.)
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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Fabri RL, Freitas JCO, Lemos ASO, Campos LM, Diniz IOM, Pinto NCC, Silva TP, Palazzi C, Marchesini P, Monteiro C, Barbosa AF, Carvalho MG, Chedier LM, Araújo MGF, Apolônio ACM, Rocha VN, Melo RCN, Pinto PF. Spilanthol as a promising antifungal alkylamide for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1210-1224. [PMID: 34468763 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spilanthol is a bioactive alkylamide from the native Amazon plant species, Acmella oleracea. However, antifungal activities of spilanthol and its application to the therapeutic treatment of candidiasis remain to be explored. This study sought to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of spilanthol previously isolated from A. oleracea (spilanthol(AcO)) against Candida albicans ATCC® 10231™, a multidrug-resistant fungal strain. Microdilution methods were used to determine inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of spilanthol(AcO). In planktonic cultures, the fungal growth kinetics, yeast cell metabolic activity, cell membrane permeability and cell wall integrity were investigated. The effect of spilanthol(AcO) on the proliferation and adhesion of fungal biofilms was evaluated by whole slide imaging and scanning electron microscopy. The biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix was also analyzed. In parallel, spilanthol(AcO) was tested in vivo in an experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis model. Our in vitro analyses in C. albicans planktonic cultures detected a significant inhibitory effect of spilanthol(AcO), which affects both yeast cell membrane and cell wall integrity, interfering with the fungus growth. C. albicans biofilm proliferation and adhesion, as well as, carbohydrates and DNA in biofilm matrix were reduced after spilanthol(AcO) treatment. Moreover, infected rats treated with spilanthol(AcO) showed consistent reduction of both fungal burden and inflammatory processes compared to the untreated animals. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that spilanthol(AcO) is an bioactive compound against planktonic and biofilm forms of a multidrug resistant C. albicans strain. Furthermore, spilanthol(AcO) can be potentially considered for therapeutical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans. LAY SUMMARY This study sought to evaluate the antifungal activity of spilanthol against Candida albicans ATCC® 10 231™, a multidrug-resistant fungal strain. Our findings demonstrated that spilanthol(AcO) can be potentially considered for therapeutical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo L Fabri
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Jhamine C O Freitas
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Ari S O Lemos
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Lara M Campos
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Irley O M Diniz
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Nícolas C C Pinto
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Thiago P Silva
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Palazzi
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Marchesini
- Post-graduate Program in Veterinary Science, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, CEP 323897-970, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Caio Monteiro
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, CEP 374690-000, Goiânia, Go, Brazil
| | - Alan F Barbosa
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Mato Grosso, CEP 378890-000, Sorriso, MG, Brazil
| | - Mário G Carvalho
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, CEP 323897-970, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana M Chedier
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo G F Araújo
- Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Campus Centro Oeste Dona Lindu, CEP 35501-296, Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina M Apolônio
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Imunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Vinícius N Rocha
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Rossana C N Melo
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila F Pinto
- Bioactive Natural Products Laboratory and Protein Structure and Function Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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Comparison of Direct Sequencing with Real-time PCR High Resolution Melt and PCR Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis to Identify Clinically Important Candida Species. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid.110202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Candida albicans is the predominant yeast reported from human infection. Non-albicans Candida species have been recently developed as medically vital fungi. Therefore, it is essential to detect and identify the pathogens at the species level to prescribe appropriate treatment. Methods: This study assessed two complementary methods, including real-time polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melt (PCR-HRM) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length morphism (PCR-RFLP) with standard PCR and Sanger sequencing as the benchmark. Results: In total, 66 samples were tested, and two newly-advanced assays were more effective and displayed comprehensive concordance (66/66, 100%) with Sanger sequencing outcomes. Moreover, accurate and economical tests were positively advanced by real-time PCR-HRM for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis complexes. Conclusions: Given the number of studies performed on the comparison of sensitivity and specificity of phenotypic and genotypic methods to diagnose and identify invasive fungal pathogens and the findings of this study, it could be stated that the correlative PCR-HRM and PCR-RFLP methods were effectively advanced as substitutes for conventional Sanger sequencing for the reasonable identification. However, supplementary evaluations and confirming studies should be carried out with a broad range of samples to standardize this method for routine application in medical laboratories.
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43
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Moghim H, Taghipour S, Kheiri S, Khabbazi H, Baradaran A. Antifungal Effects of Iranian Propolis Extract and Royal jelly Against Candida albicans In-Vitro. Int J Prev Med 2021; 12:163. [PMID: 35070196 PMCID: PMC8724646 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_420_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans is the most important opportunistic fungal that can establish infection in susceptible individuals. Iranian Propolis and Royal jelly are bee products that are traditionally used against fungal infections. This study was aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of Iranian Propolis extract and Royal jelly against C. albicans in vitro. METHODS Antifungal activities of the extracts were performed according to microbroth dilution method in 96-well microdilution plates. The amount of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) based on counting the number of fungal colonies (CFU) were evaluated for each of Royal jelly and Iranian Propolis extracts against C. albicans compared with the control group. RESULTS In this study, the MIC, MIC50, and MFC of Royal jelly on C. albicans were, respectively, 80, 103 ± 25, and 160 ± 34 mg/mL and for the Iranian Propolis alcoholic extract were, respectively, 0.030 ± 0.015, 0.0618 ± 0.027, and 0.0833 ± 0.0599 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that both Royal jelly and Iranian Propolis alcoholic extract are effective against C. albicans, but the former species has higher antifungal activity. If the clinical trials confirm the results of this study, Iranian propolis, as a new antifungal agent by replacing chemical drugs, can be used to develop antifungal medicinal herbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Moghim
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord, Iran,Address for correspondence: Prof. Hassan Moghim, Medical Plants Research, Center, Basic Heahth Sciences Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. E-mail: hassan.moghim@ yahoo.com
| | - Simin Taghipour
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Soleiman Kheiri
- Social Health Determinants Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hamideh Khabbazi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Azar Baradaran
- Department of Pathology, Isfahan, University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Bastos RW, Rossato L, Goldman GH, Santos DA. Fungicide effects on human fungal pathogens: Cross-resistance to medical drugs and beyond. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010073. [PMID: 34882756 PMCID: PMC8659312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are underestimated threats that affect over 1 billion people, and Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. are the 3 most fatal fungi. The treatment of these infections is performed with a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, and the class of the azoles is the most used. Although these drugs present low toxicity for the host, there is an emergence of therapeutic failure due to azole resistance. Drug resistance normally develops in patients undergoing azole long-term therapy, when the fungus in contact with the drug can adapt and survive. Conversely, several reports have been showing that resistant isolates are also recovered from patients with no prior history of azole therapy, suggesting that other routes might be driving antifungal resistance. Intriguingly, antifungal resistance also happens in the environment since resistant strains have been isolated from plant materials, soil, decomposing matter, and compost, where important human fungal pathogens live. As the resistant fungi can be isolated from the environment, in places where agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture and wood industry, the hypothesis that fungicides could be driving and selecting resistance mechanism in nature, before the contact of the fungus with the host, has gained more attention. The effects of fungicide exposure on fungal resistance have been extensively studied in Aspergillus fumigatus and less investigated in other human fungal pathogens. Here, we discuss not only classic and recent studies showing that environmental azole exposure selects cross-resistance to medical azoles in A. fumigatus, but also how this phenomenon affects Candida and Cryptococcus, other 2 important human fungal pathogens found in the environment. We also examine data showing that fungicide exposure can select relevant changes in the morphophysiology and virulence of those pathogens, suggesting that its effect goes beyond the cross-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael W. Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados-MS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel A. Santos
- Laboratory of Mycology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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The Effects of Tormentic Acid and Extracts from Callistemon citrinus on Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis Growth and Inhibition of Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Candida albicans. ScientificWorldJournal 2021; 2021:8856147. [PMID: 34594161 PMCID: PMC8478599 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8856147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis are the leading causes of human fungal infections worldwide. There is an increase in resistance of Candida pathogens to existing antifungal drugs leading to a need to find new sources of antifungal agents. Tormentic acid has been isolated from different plants including Callistemon citrinus and has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, including antifungal activity. The study aimed to determine the effects of tormentic and extracts from C. citrinus on C. albicans and C. tropicalis and a possible mode of action. The extracts and tormentic acid were screened for antifungal activity using the broth microdilution method. The growth of both species was inhibited by the extracts, and C. albicans was more susceptible to the extract compared to C. tropicalis. The growth of C. albicans was inhibited by 80% at 100 μg/ml of both the DCM: methanol extract and the ethanol: water extract. Tormentic acid reduced the growth of C. albicans by 72% at 100 μg/ml. The effects of the extracts and tormentic acid on ergosterol content in C. albicans were determined using a UV/Vis scanning spectrophotometer. At concentrations of tormentic acid of 25 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, and 200 μg/ml, the content of ergosterol was decreased by 22%, 36%, 48%, and 78%, respectively. Similarly, the DCM: methanol extract at 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml decreased the content by 78% and 88%, respectively. A dose-dependent decrease in ergosterol content was observed in cells exposed to miconazole with a 25 μg/ml concentration causing a 100% decrease in ergosterol content. Therefore, tormentic acid inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol in C. albicans. Modifications of the structure of tormentic acid to increase its antifungal potency may be explored in further studies.
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46
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Evaluation and comparison of the effects of biosynthesized selenium and silver nanoparticles using plant extracts with antifungal drugs on the growth of Aspergillus and Candida species. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-021-01021-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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47
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ElGindi M, Al-Baghdadi R, Jackman AB, Antonyan AS, McMahon DL, Taj-Aldeen SJ, Finkel JS. Where the infection is isolated rather than the specific species correlates with adherence strength, whereas biofilm density remains static in clinically isolated Candida and arthroconidial yeasts. Can J Microbiol 2021; 67:497-505. [PMID: 34232751 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2020-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To colonize and infect the host, arthroconidial yeasts must avoid being killed by the host's defenses. The formation of biofilms on implanted devices allows fungi to avoid host responses and to disseminate into the host. To better study the mechanisms of infection by arthroconidial yeasts, adherence and biofilm formation were assayed using patient samples collected over 10 years. In clinical samples, adherence varies within species, but the relative adherence is constant for those samples isolated from the same infection site. Herein we document, for the first time, in-vitro biofilm formation by Trichosporon dohaense, T. ovoides, T. japonicum, T. coremiiforme, Cutaneotrichosporon mucoides, Cutaneotrichosporon cutaneum, Galactomyces candidus, and Magnusiomyces capitatus on clinically relevant catheter material. Analysis of biofilm biomass assays indicated that biofilm mass changes less than 2-fold, regardless of the species. Our results support the hypothesis that most pathogenic fungi can form biofilms, and that biofilm formation is a source of systemic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Education City, PO Box 24866, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rula Al-Baghdadi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Education City, PO Box 24866, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alex B Jackman
- Department of Biology, College of Engineering and Science, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038, USA
| | - Angelina S Antonyan
- Department of Biology, College of Engineering and Science, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038, USA
| | - Diana L McMahon
- Department of Biology, College of Engineering and Science, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038, USA
| | - Saad J Taj-Aldeen
- University of Babylon, Hilla, Iraq.,Microbiology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mycology Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonathan S Finkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Education City, PO Box 24866, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biology, College of Engineering and Science, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038, USA
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In vitro activity of posaconazole and comparators versus opportunistic filamentous fungal pathogens globally collected during 8 years. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 101:115473. [PMID: 34352433 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of invasive filamentous fungal diseases requires monitoring due to changes in susceptibility patterns of new and established antifungal agents that may affect clinical practices. We evaluated the activity of posaconazole against 2,157 invasive moulds collected worldwide from 2010-2017. The isolates included 1,775 Aspergillus spp. and 382 non-Aspergillus moulds, including 81 Fusarium spp., 62 Mucorales group, and 57 Scedosporium spp. Isolates were tested using the CLSI reference broth microdilution method. Posaconazole showed similar activity to itraconazole and voriconazole against A. fumigatus. Applying published ECV, 98.0% of the A. fumigatus and 97.7% to 100.0% of other common Aspergillus species were wildtype to posaconazole. Categorical agreement between posaconazole and the other azoles tested against A. fumigatus was 98.7%. Notably, most of the Aspergillus spp. isolates recovered from this large collection were wildtype to echinocandins and all azoles. Posaconazole non-wildtype rates of A. fumigatus varied across the different geographic regions, with 2.1% in Europe, 2.2% in North America, 1.8% in Latin America, and 0.7% in the Asia-Pacific region. The frequency of azole non-wildtype A. fumigatus isolates from Europe increased steadily from 2010-2017 for all 3 triazoles (0.0%-5.0%). The azole non-wildtype A. fumigatus rates from the other geographic areas were stable over time. Fusarium and/or Scedosporium spp. isolates were highly resistant to azoles and echinocandins. Posaconazole and amphotericin B were the most active agents against the Mucorales. Posaconazole was very active against most species of Aspergillus and was comparable to itraconazole and voriconazole against the less common moulds. Posaconazole should provide a useful addition to the anti-mould grouping of antifungal agents.
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Abstract
Various uncommon fungal pathogens have been increasingly identified as causes of disseminated and invasive fungal disease (IFD) worldwide. Growing recognition and clinical knowledge of these emerging fungal pathogens has occurred through improved molecular diagnostics, nucleic sequence databases, and taxonomic reclassification of medically significant fungi. However, emerging fungal diseases carry significant morbidity and mortality and, due to a paucity of published literature, the collective clinical experience with these fungi is often limited. In this review, we focus on unusual emerging fungal pathogens not extensively covered elsewhere in this issue of Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America.
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50
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Allison CL, Moskaluk A, VandeWoude S, Reynolds MM. Detection of glucosamine as a marker for Aspergillus niger: a potential screening method for fungal infections. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:2933-2941. [PMID: 33615396 PMCID: PMC8043943 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Several species of fungus from the genus Aspergillus are implicated in pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. Broad screening methods for fungal infections are desirable, as cultures require a considerable amount of time to provide results. Herein, we developed degradation and detection methods to produce and detect D-glucosamine (GlcN) from Aspergillus niger, a species of filamentous fungus. Ultimately, these techniques hold the potential to contribute to the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. In the following studies, we produced GlcN from fungal-derived chitin to serve as a marker for Aspergillus niger. To accomplish this, A. niger cells were lysed and subjected to a hydrochloric acid degradation protocol. Products were isolated, reconstituted in aqueous solutions, and analyzed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) in tandem with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Our results indicated that GlcN was produced from A. niger. To validate these results, products obtained via fungal degradation were compared to products obtained from the degradation of two chitin polymers. The observed retention times and mass spectral extractions provided a two-step validation confirming that GlcN was produced from fungal-derived chitin. Our studies qualitatively illustrate that GlcN can be produced from A. niger; applying these methods to a more diverse range of fungi offers the potential to render a broad screening method for fungal detection pertinent to diagnosis of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Allison
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1801 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Alex Moskaluk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Melissa M Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, 1801 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, 1370 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1376 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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