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Gaspar-Cordeiro A, Amaral C, Pobre V, Antunes W, Petronilho A, Paixão P, Matos AP, Pimentel C. Copper Acts Synergistically With Fluconazole in Candida glabrata by Compromising Drug Efflux, Sterol Metabolism, and Zinc Homeostasis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:920574. [PMID: 35774458 PMCID: PMC9237516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.920574] [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] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The synergistic combinations of drugs are promising strategies to boost the effectiveness of current antifungals and thus prevent the emergence of resistance. In this work, we show that copper and the antifungal fluconazole act synergistically against Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast intrinsically tolerant to fluconazole. Analyses of the transcriptomic profile of C. glabrata after the combination of copper and fluconazole showed that the expression of the multidrug transporter gene CDR1 was decreased, suggesting that fluconazole efflux could be affected. In agreement, we observed that copper inhibits the transactivation of Pdr1, the transcription regulator of multidrug transporters and leads to the intracellular accumulation of fluconazole. Copper also decreases the transcriptional induction of ergosterol biosynthesis (ERG) genes by fluconazole, which culminates in the accumulation of toxic sterols. Co-treatment of cells with copper and fluconazole should affect the function of proteins located in the plasma membrane, as several ultrastructural alterations, including irregular cell wall and plasma membrane and loss of cell wall integrity, were observed. Finally, we show that the combination of copper and fluconazole downregulates the expression of the gene encoding the zinc-responsive transcription regulator Zap1, which possibly, together with the membrane transporters malfunction, generates zinc depletion. Supplementation with zinc reverts the toxic effect of combining copper with fluconazole, underscoring the importance of this metal in the observed synergistic effect. Overall, this work, while unveiling the molecular basis that supports the use of copper to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole, paves the way for the development of new metal-based antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gaspar-Cordeiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Amaral
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação da Academia Militar (CINAMIL), Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Petronilho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paulo Paixão
- Unidade de Infeção, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Chronic Diseases Research Centre – CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica – SYNLAB, Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António P. Matos
- Egas Moniz Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Egas Moniz Higher Education Cooperative, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pimentel
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Catarina Pimentel,
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202
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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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203
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Priya A, Pandian SK. Biofilm and hyphal inhibitory synergistic effects of phytoactives piperine and cinnamaldehyde against Candida albicans. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6602366. [PMID: 35661216 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis, the most common mycotic infection of the human oral cavity is non-life-threatening yet if untreated may advance as systemic infections. Ability of Candida albicans to adapt sessile lifestyle imparts resistance to drugs and host immunity. Consequently, due to limited effectiveness of conventional antifungal treatment, novel therapeutic strategies are required. In the present study, synergistic interaction of phytochemicals, piperine and cinnamaldehyde against the biofilm and hyphal of C. albicans was evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) of piperine and cinnamaldehyde against C. albicans were analysed through microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining method, respectively. Combinatorial biofilm and hyphal inhibitory effect were investigated through checkerboard assay. In vitro results were validated through gene expression analysis. BIC of piperine and cinnamaldehyde was determined to be 32 µg/mL and 64 µg/mL, respectively. Interaction between these two phytocomponents was found to be synergistic and six different synergistic antibiofilm combinations were identified. Microscopic analysis of biofilm architecture also evidenced the biofilm and surface adherence inhibitory potential of piperine and cinnamaldehyde combinations. Phenotypic switching between yeast and hyphal morphological forms was influenced by synergistic combinations. qPCR analysis corroborated the results of in vitro activities. nrg1 and trp1, the negative transcriptional regulators of filamentous growth were upregulated whereas other genes that are involved in biofilm formation, filamentous growth, adhesion etc were found to be downregulated. These proficient phytochemical combinations provide a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of biofilm associated oral candidiasis and to combat the recurrent infections due to antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Priya
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Science Campus, Karaikudi 630003, Tamil Nadu, India
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204
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D’Spain S, Andrade PI, Brockman NE, Fu J, Wickes BL. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Candida glabrata. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:596. [PMID: 35736079 PMCID: PMC9225417 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of broad-spectrum antimycotic therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, and indwelling medical devices has contributed to the increased frequency of mucosal and systemic infections caused by Candida glabrata. A major concern for C. glabrata and other Candida spp. infections is the increase in drug resistance. To address these issues, additional molecular tools for the study of C. glabrata are needed. In this investigation, we developed an Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation system for C. glabrata. A number of parameters were investigated to determine their effect on transformation frequency, and then an optimized protocol was developed. The optimal conditions for the transformation of C. glabrata were found to be an infection incubation temperature of 26 °C, 0.2 mM acetosyringone in both induction media and co-culture media, 0.7% agar concentration, and a multiplicity of infection of 50:1 A. tumefaciens to C. glabrata. Importantly, the frequency of multiple integrations was low (5%), demonstrating that A. tumefaciens generally integrates at single sites in C. glabrata, which is consistent with other fungal A. tumefaciens transformation systems. The development of this system in C. glabrata adds another tool for the molecular manipulation of this increasingly important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Brian L. Wickes
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA; (S.D.); (P.I.A.); (N.E.B.); (J.F.)
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205
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Prediction of Prognostic Risk Factors in Patients with Invasive Candidiasis and Cancer: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7896218. [PMID: 35692595 PMCID: PMC9185171 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7896218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Invasive candidiasis is a common cancer-related complication with a high fatality rate. If patients with a high risk of dying in the hospital are identified early and accurately, physicians can make better clinical judgments. However, epidemiological analyses and mortality prediction models of cancer patients with invasive candidiasis remain limited. Method A set of 40 potential risk factors was acquired in a sample of 258 patients with both invasive candidiasis and cancer. To begin, risk factors for Candida albicans vs. non-Candida albicans infections and persistent vs. nonpersistent Candida infections were analysed using classic statistical methods. Then, we applied three machine learning models (random forest, logistic regression, and support vector machine) to identify prognostic indicators related to mortality. Prediction performance of different models was assessed by precision, recall, F1 score, accuracy, and AUC. Results Of the 258 patients both with invasive candidiasis and cancer included in the analysis. The median age of patients was 62 years, and 95 (36.82%) patients were older than 65 years, of which 178 (66.28%) were male. And 186 (72.1%) patients underwent surgery 2 weeks before data collection, 100 (39.1%) patients stayed in ICU during hospitalisation, 99 (38.4%) patients had bacterial blood infection, 85 (32.9%) patients had persistent invasive candidiasis, and 41 (15.9%) patients died within 30 days. The usage of drainage catheter and prolonged length of hospitalisation are the dominant risk factors for non-Candida albicans infections and persistent Candida infections, respectively. Risk factors, such as septic shock, history of surgery within the past 2 weeks, usage of drainage tubes, length of stay in ICU, total parenteral nutrition, serum creatinine level, fungal antigen, stay in ICU during hospitalisation, and total bilirubin level, were significant predictors of death. The RF model outperformed the LR and SVM models. Precision, recall, F1 score, accuracy, and AUC for RF were 64.29%, 75.63%, 69.23%, 89.61%, and 91.28%. Conclusions In this study, the machine learning-based models accurately predicted the prognosis of cancer and invasive candidiasis patients. The algorithm could be used to help clinicians in high-risk patients' early intervention.
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206
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Vaseghi N, Piramoon M, Khojasteh S, Abbasi K, Mohseni S, Javidnia J, Naghili B, Aslani N. Post-antifungal effect of the combination of anidulafungin with amphotericin B and fluconazole against fluconazole-susceptible and -resistant Candida albicans. Curr Med Mycol 2022; 8:8-15. [PMID: 36654787 PMCID: PMC9825794 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.8.2.10327] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening condition that kills a large number of immunocompromised patients each year worldwide. We used post-antifungal effect studies to analyze the activities of anidulafungin (AFG), as a clinically crucial antifungal drug, amphotericin B (AMB), and fluconazole (alone and in combinations) against FLC-susceptible and -resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates obtained from the cancer patients. Materials and Methods We tested the phenomenon of post antifungal effects of FLC, AMB, AFG, and combinations of FLC+AFG, AFG+AMB, and FLC+AMB against 17 C. albicans isolates obtained from the oral cavity of cancer patients. Isolates that had not been exposed to antifungals, served as a control group. Colony counts were performed at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after a brief (1 h) exposure to antifungal. Results The FLC had no detectable post-antifungal effect independent of antifungal concentration and resembled drug-free FLC (control). Significant variations in the post-antifungal effect were observed when all AMB and AFG were compared to FLC. The combination of AFG and AMB with FLC resulted in effective activity compared to FLC alone. Combination regimens were rated as indifferent in general. Interestingly, low dosages of the AFG displayed increasing fungistatic action as it approached a fungistatic endpoint against C. albicans isolates (n=17). Conclusion Our findings suggested that brief exposure to AFG, in combination with FLC and AMB, at low concentrations of the medicines utilized, could be effective in the evaluation and optimization of new dosage regimens to manage candidiasis. However, future studies will determine the clinical utility of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Vaseghi
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Piramoon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Radiopharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran,
Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Khojasteh
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,
Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Kiana Abbasi
- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sahar Mohseni
- Department of Microbiology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Department of Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Behrooz Naghili
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narges Aslani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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207
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Shi H, Zhuang Q, Zheng A, Zhan P, Guan Y, Wei D, Xu X, Wu T. Antibacterial Mechanism of N-PMI and the Characteristics of PMMA-Co-N-PMI Copolymer. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202100753. [PMID: 35560720 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202100753] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aiming at the excellent killing effect of N-phenylmaleimide (N-PMI) on microorganisms, this article used structural simulation analysis, fluorescence analysis, confocal laser scanning microscope and SEM to find that the double bond in N-PMI could interact with the sulfur groups in the membrane protein, changing its conformation, rupturing the plasma membrane of the cell, leaking the contents, and ultimately causing the death of the microorganisms. Therefore, once the double bond participated in the polymerization, N-PMI lost its antimicrobial function. N-PMI could achieve azeotropic copolymerization with MMA through reactive extrusion polymerization. N-PMI with a content of 5 % can be evenly inserted into the PMMA chain segment during the copolymerization reaction, thereby increasing the Tg of pure PMMA by up to 15 °C, which provided the PMMA-co-PMI copolymer with resistance to boiling water sterilization advantageous conditions. In addition, N-PMI with a content of 5 % has little effect on the transparency of PMMA after participating in the copolymerization. Moreover, the trace amount of residual N-PMI made the material have excellent antimicrobial function, and the bacteriostatic zone is extremely small, which provided an excellent guarantee for the safety and durability of the material. As a medical biological material, the PMMA-co-PMI copolymer has a good industrialization application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Shi
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Qixin Zhuang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Anna Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Pengfei Zhan
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yong Guan
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dafu Wei
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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Barantsevich N, Barantsevich E. Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060718. [PMID: 35740125 PMCID: PMC9219674 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species, belonging to commensal microbial communities in humans, cause opportunistic infections in individuals with impaired immunity. Pathogens encountered in more than 90% cases of invasive candidiasis include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. The most frequently diagnosed invasive infection is candidemia. About 50% of candidemia cases result in deep-seated infection due to hematogenous spread. The sensitivity of blood cultures in autopsy-proven invasive candidiasis ranges from 21% to 71%. Non-cultural methods (beta-D-glucan, T2Candida assays), especially beta-D-glucan in combination with procalcitonin, appear promising in the exclusion of invasive candidiasis with high sensitivity (98%) and negative predictive value (95%). There is currently a clear deficiency in approved sensitive and precise diagnostic techniques. Omics technologies seem promising, though require further development and study. Therapeutic options for invasive candidiasis are generally limited to four classes of systemic antifungals (polyenes, antimetabolite 5-fluorocytosine, azoles, echinocandins) with the two latter being highly effective and well-tolerated and hence the most widely used. Principles and methods of treatment are discussed in this review. The emergence of pan-drug-resistant C. auris strains indicates an insufficient choice of available medications. Further surveillance, alongside the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods, is essential.
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209
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Boahen A, Than LTL, Loke YL, Chew SY. The Antibiofilm Role of Biotics Family in Vaginal Fungal Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:787119. [PMID: 35694318 PMCID: PMC9179178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.787119] [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] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
“Unity in strength” is a notion that can be exploited to characterize biofilms as they bestow microbes with protection to live freely, escalate their virulence, confer high resistance to therapeutic agents, and provide active grounds for the production of biofilms after dispersal. Naturally, fungal biofilms are inherently resistant to many conventional antifungals, possibly owing to virulence factors as their ammunitions that persistently express amid planktonic transition to matured biofilm state. These ammunitions include the ability to form polymicrobial biofilms, emergence of persister cells post-antifungal treatment and acquisition of resistance genes. One of the major disorders affecting vaginal health is vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its reoccurrence is termed recurrent VVC (RVVC). It is caused by the Candida species which include Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The aforementioned Candida species, notably C. albicans is a biofilm producing pathogen and habitually forms part of the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Latest research has implicated the role of fungal biofilms in VVC, particularly in the setting of treatment failure and RVVC. Consequently, a plethora of studies have advocated the utilization of probiotics in addressing these infections. Specifically, the excreted or released compounds of probiotics which are also known as postbiotics are being actively researched with vast potential to be used as therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of VVC and RVVC. These potential sources of postbiotics are harnessed due to their proven antifungal and antibiofilm. Hence, this review discusses the role of Candida biofilm formation in VVC and RVVC. In addition, we discuss the application of pro-, pre-, post-, and synbiotics either individually or in combined regimen to counteract the abovementioned problems. A clear understanding of the role of biofilms in VVC and RVVC will provide proper footing for further research in devising novel remedies for prevention and treatment of vaginal fungal infections.
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210
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Buakaew W, Pankla Sranujit R, Noysang C, Krobthong S, Yingchutrakul Y, Thongsri Y, Potup P, Daowtak K, Usuwanthim K. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Proteins Involved in the Mode of Action of β-Citronellol Identified From Citrus hystrix DC. Leaf Against Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:894637. [PMID: 35677908 PMCID: PMC9168680 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.894637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a fungus that lives primarily on the mucosal surfaces of healthy humans, such as the oral cavity, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract. This commensal organism can be controlled by other microbiota, while certain conditions can increase the risk of C. albicans outgrowth and cause disease. Prevalence of the drug-resistant phenotype, as well as the severity of C. albicans infection in immunocompromised patients, presents a challenge for scientists to develop novel, effective treatment, and prevention strategies. β-Citronellol is an intriguing active compound of several plants that has been linked to antifungal activity, but data on the mechanism of action in terms of proteomic profiling are lacking. Here, β-citronellol identified from Citrus hystrix DC. leaf against C. albicans were evaluated. A proteomic approach was used to identify potential target proteins involved in the mode of action of β-citronellol. This study identified and discussed three protein groups based on the 126 major proteins that were altered in response to β-citronellol treatment, 46 of which were downregulated and 80 of which were upregulated. Significant protein groups include cell wall proteins (e.g., Als2p, Rbt1p, and Pga4p), cellular stress response enzymes (e.g., Sod1p, Gst2p, and Ddr48p), and ATP synthesis-associated proteins (e.g., Atp3p, Atp7p, Cox1p, and Cobp). Results demonstrated the complexities of protein interactions influenced by β-citronellol treatment and highlighted the potential of antifungal activity for future clinical and drug development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watunyoo Buakaew
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Pankla Sranujit
- Faculty of Integrative Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Chanai Noysang
- Faculty of Integrative Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Sucheewin Krobthong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetic Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yodying Yingchutrakul
- Center for Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Omics Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Yordhathai Thongsri
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Pachuen Potup
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Krai Daowtak
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Kanchana Usuwanthim
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
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Early Empirical Anidulafungin Reduces the Prevalence of Invasive Candidiasis in Critically Ill Patients: A Case-control Study. J Crit Care Med (Targu Mures) 2022; 8:89-99. [PMID: 35950155 PMCID: PMC9097641 DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2022-0006] [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] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Invasive candidiasis (IC) in critically ill patients is a serious infection with high rate of mortality. As an empirical therapy, like antibiotics, the use of antifungals is not common in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. The empirical use of echinocandins including anidulafungin is a recent trend. Aim of the study The objective of this study was to assess the impact of empirical anidulafungin in the development of invasive candidiasis in critically ill patients in ICU. Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 149 patients with sepsis with/without septic shock and bacterial pneumonia. All the patients were divided into two groups. The ‘control group’ termed as ‘NEAT group’ received no empirical anidulafungin therapy and the ‘treated group’ termed as ‘EAT group’ received empirical anidulafungin therapy in early hospitalization hours. Results Seventy-two and 77 patients were divided into the control and the treated group, respectively. Patients in EAT group showed less incidences of IC (5.19%) than that of the NEAT group (29.17%) (p = 0.001). Here, the relative risk (RR) was 0.175 (95% CI, 0.064-0.493) and the risk difference (RD) rate was 24% (95% CI, 12.36%-35.58%). The 30-day all-cause mortality rate in NEAT group was higher (19.44%) than that of in EAT group (10.39%) (p = 0.04). Within the first 10-ICU-day, patients in the EAT group left ICU in higher rate (62.34%) than that in the NEAT group (54.17%). Conclusion Early empirical anidulafungin within 6 h of ICU admission reduced the risk of invasive candidiasis, 30-day all-cause mortality rate and increased ICU leaving rate within 10-day of ICU admission in critically ill patients.
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Sakamoto T, Gotoh K, Hashimoto K, Tanamachi C, Watanabe H. Risk Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Ocular Candidiasis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050497. [PMID: 35628752 PMCID: PMC9146072 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular candidiasis is a critical and challenging complication of candidemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the appropriate timing for ophthalmologic examinations, risk factors for complications of ocular lesions, and their association with mortality. This retrospective cohort study applied, using multiple logistic regression analysis and Cox regression models, to cases of candidemia (age ≥ 18 years) for patients who underwent ophthalmologic consultation. Of the 108 candidemia patients who underwent ophthalmologic examination, 27 (25%) contracted patients had ocular candidiasis, and 7 experienced the more severe condition of endophthalmitis, which included subjective ocular symptoms. In most cases, the initial ophthalmologic examination was performed within one week of the onset of candidiasis with a diagnosis of ocular candidiasis, but in three cases, the findings became apparent only after a second examination within 7−14 days after onset of candidiasis. The independent risk factor extracted for the development of ocular candidiasis was the isolation of C. albicans (OR, 4.85; 95% CI, 1.58−14.90), unremoved CVC (OR, 10.40; 95% CI, 1.74−62.16), and a high βDG value (>108.2 pg/mL) (HR, 2.83; 95% CI = 1.24−6.27). Continuous ophthalmologic examination is recommended in cases of candidemia with the above risk factors with an initial examination within 7 days of onset and a second examination 7−14 days after onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Sakamoto
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (T.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Kenji Gotoh
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (T.S.); (H.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-942-31-7592; Fax: +81-942-31-7724
| | - Kenyu Hashimoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shin Koga Hospital, Kurume 830-8577, Japan;
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Tanamachi
- School for Medical Technology, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Watanabe
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; (T.S.); (H.W.)
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213
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Raman Spectroscopy of Oral Candida Species: Molecular-Scale Analyses, Chemometrics, and Barcode Identification. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105359. [PMID: 35628169 PMCID: PMC9141024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral candidiasis, a common opportunistic infection of the oral cavity, is mainly caused by the following four Candida species (in decreasing incidence rate): Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. This study offers in-depth Raman spectroscopy analyses of these species and proposes procedures for an accurate and rapid identification of oral yeast species. We first obtained average spectra for different Candida species and systematically analyzed them in order to decode structural differences among species at the molecular scale. Then, we searched for a statistical validation through a chemometric method based on principal component analysis (PCA). This method was found only partially capable to mechanistically distinguish among Candida species. We thus proposed a new Raman barcoding approach based on an algorithm that converts spectrally deconvoluted Raman sub-bands into barcodes. Barcode-assisted Raman analyses could enable on-site identification in nearly real-time, thus implementing preventive oral control, enabling prompt selection of the most effective drug, and increasing the probability to interrupt disease transmission.
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214
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High-Throughput Chemical Screen Identifies a 2,5-Disubstituted Pyridine as an Inhibitor of Candida albicans Erg11. mSphere 2022; 7:e0007522. [PMID: 35531664 PMCID: PMC9241532 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00075-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections contribute to over 1.5 million deaths annually, with Candida albicans representing one of the most concerning human fungal pathogens. While normally commensal in nature, compromise of host immunity can result in C. albicans disseminating into the human bloodstream, causing infections with mortality rates of up to 40%. A contributing factor to this high mortality rate is the limited arsenal of antifungals approved to treat systemic infections. The most widely used antifungal class, the azoles, inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis by targeting Erg11. The rise of drug resistance among C. albicans clinical isolates, particularly against the azoles, has escalated the need to explore novel antifungal strategies. To address this challenge, we screened a 9,600-compound subset of the University of Tokyo Core Chemical Library to identify molecules with novel antifungal activity against C. albicans. The most potent hit molecule was CpdLC-6888, a 2,5-disubstituted pyridine compound, which inhibited growth of C. albicans and closely-related species. Chemical-genetic, biochemical, and modeling analyses suggest that CpdLC-6888 inhibits Erg11 in a manner similar to the azoles despite lacking the canonical five-membered nitrogen-containing azole ring. This work characterizes the antifungal activity of a 2,5-disubstituted pyridine against C. albicans, supporting the mining of existing chemical collections to identify compounds with novel antifungal activity. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic fungi represent a serious but underacknowledged threat to human health. The treatment and management of these infections relies heavily on the use of azole antifungals, a class of molecules that contain a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring and inhibit the biosynthesis of the key membrane sterol ergosterol. By employing a high-throughput chemical screen, we identified a 2,5-disubstituted pyridine, termed CpdLC-6888, as possessing antifungal activity against the prominent human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Upon further investigation, we determined this molecule exhibits azole-like activity despite being structurally divergent. Specifically, transcriptional repression of the azole target gene ERG11 resulted in hypersensitivity to CpdLC-6888, and treatment of C. albicans with this molecule blocked the production of the key membrane sterol ergosterol. Therefore, this work describes a chemical scaffold with novel antifungal activity against a prevalent and threatening fungal pathogen affecting human health, expanding the repertoire of compounds that can inhibit this useful antifungal drug target.
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215
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Yasu T, Sakurai K, Akazawa M. Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in Japan: A Retrospective Database Study. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3242-3251. [PMID: 35621654 PMCID: PMC9139551 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29050264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. As chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a rare hematological malignancy in Japan, IFD incidence in Japanese patients with CLL is unclear. This study aimed to investigate IFD incidence in Japanese patients with CLL. This retrospective cohort study used data of patients with CLL registered between April 2008 and December 2019 in the Medical Data Vision database (n = 3484). IFD incidence after CLL diagnosis in the watch-and-wait (WW) and drug therapy (DT) groups was 1.5% and 9.2%, respectively. The most common type of IFD was invasive aspergillosis (28.1%). Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis revealed that DT (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.13) and steroid use (HR: 4.19) were significantly associated with IFD occurrence. IFD incidence was significantly higher in the DT group than in the WW group (log-rank p < 0.001); however, there was no significant between-group difference in the time to IFD onset or the type of IFD (p = 0.09). This study determined the incidence of IFD in patients with CLL during WW. Physicians should monitor for IFD, even among patients with CLL undergoing the WW protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Yasu
- Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, Department of Medicinal Therapy Research, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Noshio, Kiyose 204-8588, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-42-495-8974
| | - Kotono Sakurai
- Pharmaceutical Education and Research Center, Department of Medicinal Therapy Research, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Noshio, Kiyose 204-8588, Japan;
| | - Manabu Akazawa
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Noshio, Kiyose 204-8588, Japan;
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216
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Rao KH, Roy K, Ghosh S. Srg1, a putative protein phosphatase from the HAD-family, is involved in stress adaptation in Candida albicans. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130164. [PMID: 35523365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130164] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cell stress response plays an important role in the survival of organisms. Studies have revealed that the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans that constantly encounters various environmental insults inside the host has emerged as an ideal system to understand the molecular mechanism (s) of stress response. In this study, we characterize a stress-inducible gene SRG1 which is a Halo Acid Dehalogenase (HAD) family member from C. albicans. METHODS We used confocal microscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, gene deletion techniques, and tandem-affinity purification and co-immunoprecipitation studies to functionally characterize SRG1. RESULTS The sub-cellular localization of Srg1 is predominantly cytoplasmic and includes punctate mitochondrial staining in the presence of salt. Protein purification studies coupled with LC-MS analysis showed that Srg1 is a phosphoprotein. The Srg1 mutant carrying S47A and S49A mutations failed to migrate to mitochondria in the presence of salt but retained its phosphatase activity. Srg1 migrates to the nucleus in ∆hog1 mutant cells indicating an unorthodox role for HAD family proteins in stress-mediated transcriptional response. Srg1 also interacts with Erg13, a component involved in the mitochondrial membrane lipid biosynthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS A multistep relay mechanism that includes a positive modulation by the MAP kinase Hog1 and a negative modulation by the global repressor Tup1 controls SRG1 expression. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, our work contributes towards gaining a functional insight into a class of phosphatases that probably have evolved with novel specificities in the pathogenic yeast C. albicans to counteract stressful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongara Hanumantha Rao
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, New Delhi, India; Central Instrumentation Facility, Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.
| | - Kasturi Roy
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Kalyani., Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Swagata Ghosh
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Kalyani., Kalyani, West Bengal, India.
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217
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Ahmad S, Kumar S, Rajpal K, Sinha R, Kumar R, Muni S, Kumari N. Candidemia Among ICU Patients: Species Characterisation, Resistance Pattern and Association With Candida Score: A Prospective Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e24612. [PMID: 35651467 PMCID: PMC9138890 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24612] [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: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Candidiasis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients admitted in intensive care units. Identification of Candida species is essential for effective treatment. However, in absence of proven fungemia, guidelines to initiate therapy are yet to be defined. Materials and methods During the study (16 months: September 2018 to December 2019), samples (urine, sputum, blood, tracheal aspirate, urinary catheter) were collected from ICU patients and prospectively evaluated. Microscopy, culture, and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed as per standard laboratory protocol. Demographic details and risk factors were noted from case records and correlated with Candida score. Results One hundred twenty-five non-duplicate samples (120 patients) positive on culture were included in the study. The most common co-morbid condition associated with fungemia was diabetes mellitus. The most common risk factor was total parenteral nutrition. Non-albicansCandida(C. tropicalis) was predominant. Candida species showed good sensitivity to voriconazole (80%) followed by fluconazole (67.78%) and amphotericin (62.22%). Twenty-nine patients had a Candida score of more than three. Conclusion Fluconazole available in both oral and parenteral formulations is an effective antifungal agent against the candida spp. Voriconazole should be reserved for non-responders. Rising resistance to common antifungals among Candida albicans is a matter of concern.
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218
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Transcriptional Response of Candida auris to the Mrr1 Inducers Methylglyoxal and Benomyl. mSphere 2022; 7:e0012422. [PMID: 35473297 PMCID: PMC9241502 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00124-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an urgent threat to human health due to its rapid spread in health care settings and its repeated development of multidrug resistance. Diseases that increase risk for C. auris infection, such as diabetes, kidney failure, or immunocompromising conditions, are associated with elevated levels of methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive dicarbonyl compound derived from several metabolic processes. In other Candida species, expression of MG reductase enzymes that catabolize and detoxify MG are controlled by Mrr1, a multidrug resistance-associated transcription factor, and MG induces Mrr1 activity. Here, we used transcriptomics and genetic assays to determine that C. aurisMRR1a contributes to MG resistance, and that the main Mrr1a targets are an MG reductase and MDR1, which encodes a drug efflux protein. The C. auris Mrr1a regulon is smaller than Mrr1 regulons described in other species. In addition to MG, benomyl (BEN), a known Mrr1 stimulus, induces C. auris Mrr1 activity, and characterization of the MRR1a-dependent and -independent transcriptional responses revealed substantial overlap in genes that were differentially expressed in response to each compound. Additionally, we found that an MRR1 allele specific to one C. auris phylogenetic clade, clade III, encodes a hyperactive Mrr1 variant, and this activity correlated with higher MG resistance. C. aurisMRR1a alleles were functional in Candida lusitaniae and were inducible by BEN, but not by MG, suggesting that the two Mrr1 inducers act via different mechanisms. Together, the data presented in this work contribute to the understanding of Mrr1 activity and MG resistance in C. auris. IMPORTANCECandida auris is a fungal pathogen that has spread since its identification in 2009 and is of concern due to its high incidence of resistance against multiple classes of antifungal drugs. In other Candida species, the transcription factor Mrr1 plays a major role in resistance against azole antifungals and other toxins. More recently, Mrr1 has been recognized to contribute to resistance to methylglyoxal (MG), a toxic metabolic product that is often elevated in different disease states. MG can activate Mrr1 and its induction of Mdr1 which can protect against diverse challenges. The significance of this work lies in showing that MG is also an inducer of Mrr1 in C. auris, and that one of the major pathogenic C. auris lineages has an activating Mrr1 mutation that confers protection against MG.
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219
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Okoye CA, Nweze E, Ibe C. Invasive candidiasis in Africa, what is the current picture? Pathog Dis 2022; 80:6572357. [PMID: 35451463 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftac012] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is a serious, progressive, and potentially deadly infection that can affect the brain, heart, bones, eyes, and other parts of the body. It is associated with risk factors such as the use of indwelling medical devices and prolonged hospital stay, and broad-spectrum antibiotics use. It is especially seen in immunocompromised individuals such as patients with prolonged hospital stay, gastrointestinal surgery, haematological malignancies, and respiratory diseases. We have conducted a systematic search of literature using a select group of database and appropriate search words and found that in Africa, there are 18,293 documented/reported cases of invasive candidiasis in the last few decades (1976-2021) and 16,636(91%) were cases of candidaemia. South Africa had the highest number of reported cases - 15,002(82%), which may be due to underreporting of cases in other countries. HIV positive persons with invasive candidiasis in Africa accounted for 1,052(5.8%). C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species 6,328(32.6%), followed by Candida parapsilosis 5,910(30.4%), and Candida auris 1,505(7.8%). Due to the affordability and availability of blood culture, it was used for diagnosis in most of the studies examined, while a few studies combined other techniques and just 3 studies from 2 countries used serological tests. Echinocandins are recommended as first-line therapy but are only available in 12 countries and are highly priced. The use of fluconazole because of its availability and relatively inexpensive nature has led to increased resistance of Candida species to the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinonyelum A Okoye
- Departments of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Nweze
- Microbiology University of Nigeria Nsukka, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chibuike Ibe
- Departments of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
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220
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Černáková L, Líšková A, Lengyelová L, Rodrigues CF. Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Oral Candida spp. Isolates from a Hospital in Slovakia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58050576. [PMID: 35629993 PMCID: PMC9144549 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Oral fungal infections are a worldwide healthcare problem. Although Candida albicans is still the most common yeast involved in the infections of oral cavity, non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) have been highly related to these infections, particularly in older, immunosuppressed or patients with long exposure to antimicrobial drugs. The goal of this work was to perform a quick epidemiological and mycological study on the oral samples collected from a laboratory of a hospital in Slovakia, for 60 days. The samples’ identification was performed by Germ-tube formation test, CHROMID® Candida, Auxacolor 2, ID 32C automated method, and the antifungal susceptibility testing determined by E-test®. Results confirm that comparing with bacteria, yeasts still occur in the lower number, but there is a high rate of antifungal resistance (81.6%)—to, at least one drug—among the collected samples, particularly to azoles and 5′-FC, which is clinically noteworthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Černáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anna Líšková
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Nitra Faculty Hospital, 950 01 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Libuša Lengyelová
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Célia F Rodrigues
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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221
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Jiang W, Zhou M, Cong Z, Xie J, Zhang W, Chen S, Zou J, Ji Z, Shao N, Chen X, Li M, Liu R. Short Guanidinium-Functionalized Poly(2-oxazoline)s Displaying Potent Therapeutic Efficacy on Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202200778. [PMID: 35182092 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202200778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New antifungals are urgently needed to combat invasive fungal infections, due to limited types of available antifungal drugs and frequently encountered side effects, as well as the quick emergence of drug-resistance. We previously developed amine-pendent poly(2-oxazoline)s (POXs) as synthetic mimics of host defense peptides (HDPs) to have antibacterial properties, but with poor antifungal activity. Hereby, we report the finding of short guanidinium-pendent POXs, inspired by cell-penetrating peptides, as synthetic mimics of HDPs to display potent antifungal activity, superior mammalian cells versus fungi selectivity, and strong therapeutic efficacy in treating local and systemic fungal infections. Moreover, the unique antifungal mechanism of fungal cell membrane penetration and organelle disruption explains the insusceptibility of POXs to antifungal resistance. The easy synthesis and structural diversity of POXs imply their potential as a class of promising antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zihao Cong
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jiayang Xie
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jingcheng Zou
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhemin Ji
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ning Shao
- Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Maoquan Li
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Runhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Shanghai Frontier Science Research Base of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Research Center for Biomedical Materials of Ministry of Education, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
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Shantal CJN, Juan CC, Lizbeth BUS, Carlos HGJ, Estela GPB. Candida glabrata is a successful pathogen: an artist manipulating the immune response. Microbiol Res 2022; 260:127038. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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223
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Kuznetsova TA, Vecherskii MV, Khayrullin DR, Stepankov AA, Maximova IA, Kachalkin AV, Ushakova NA. Dramatic effect of black soldier fly larvae on fungal community in a compost. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:2598-2603. [PMID: 34687463 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) offer very good prospects for the production of cheap and high-quality dietary protein. This insect is able to consume low-quality substrates, including food waste. The properties and safety of the compost obtained are largely determined by its microbiome. However, while the bacterial component of the BSFL-compost microbiome has been much studied, little is known about its fungal component. In plant-based rearing substrates both the biomass and the metabolic activity of fungi often exceed the biomass and the activity of prokaryotes. So, the purpose of this study was to investigate the fungal community of the compost produced by BSF larvae reared on a food waste substrate. RESULTS Community structure was determined by metabarcoding of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region. Species composition and abundance were determined using the plating technique and subsequent identification of the isolated pure cultures. It was found that the primary mycobiome of the food waste substrate that was used consisted of 19 families, represented mainly by phytopathogenic and endophytic genera. Larva incubation led to the complete elimination of all mycelial fungi from the resulting compost. The final mycobiome consisted of only two yeast species, Pichia kudriavzevii and Diutina rugosa, with a total abundance of 1.2 × 107 CFU g-1 . CONCLUSIONS The rearing of BSFL led to the complete elimination of mycelial fungi from its feed substrate. The final compost lacked harmful fungi, including molds. This information may be crucial for BSF compost utilization. The phenomenon was also an interesting aspect of zoomicrobial interactions in nature and agriculture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A Kuznetsova
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maksim V Vecherskii
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - David R Khayrullin
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr A Stepankov
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina A Maximova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Soil Science Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey V Kachalkin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Soil Science Department, Moscow, Russia
- All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms, Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Nina A Ushakova
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Elderly versus nonelderly patients with invasive fungal infections: species distribution and antifungal resistance, SENTRY antifungal surveillance program 2017-2019. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 102:115627. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Genome plasticity in Candida albicans: A cutting-edge strategy for evolution, adaptation, and survival. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 99:105256. [PMID: 35231665 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most implicated fungal species that grows as a commensal or opportunistic pathogen in the human host. It is associated with many life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised persons. The genome of Candida albicans is very flexible and can withstand a wide assortment of variations in a continuously changing environment. Thus, genome plasticity is central to its adaptation and has long been of considerable interest. C. albicans has a diploid heterozygous genome that is highly dynamic and can display variation from small to large scale chromosomal rearrangement and aneuploidy, which have implications in drug resistance, virulence, and pathogenicity. This review presents an up-to-date overview of recent genomic studies involving C. albicans. It discusses the accumulating evidence that shows how mitotic recombination events, ploidy dynamics, aneuploidy, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) influence evolution, adaptation, and survival in C. albicans. Understanding the factors that affect the genome is crucial for a proper understanding of species and rapid development and adjustment of therapeutic strategies to mitigate their spread.
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A Proteomic Landscape of Candida albicans in the Stepwise Evolution to Fluconazole Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0210521. [PMID: 35343782 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02105-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As an opportunistic fungal pathogen, Candida albicans is a major cause of superficial and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. The increasing rate of azole resistance in C. albicans has brought further challenges to clinical therapy. In this study, we collected five isogenic C. albicans strains recovered over discrete intervals from an HIV-infected patient who suffered 2-year recurrent oropharyngeal candidiasis. Azole resistance was known from the clinical history to have developed gradually in this patient, and this was confirmed by MIC assays of each strain. Proteomic techniques can be used to investigate more comprehensively how resistance develops in pathogenic fungi over time. Our study is the first to use tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology to investigate the acquired resistance mechanisms of serial C. albicans isolates at the proteomic level. A total of 4,029 proteins have been identified, of which 3,766 have been quantified. Compared with Ca1, bioinformatics analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly associated with aspects such as the downregulation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and oxidative stress response proteins in all four subsequent strains but, remarkably, the activation of amino acid metabolism in Ca8 and Ca14 and increased protection against osmotic stress or excessive copper toxicity, upregulation of respiratory chain activity, and suppression of iron transport in Ca17. By tracing proteomic alterations in this set of isogenic resistance isolates, we acquire mechanistic insight into the steps involved in the acquisition of azole resistance in C. albicans.
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Srivastava D, Yadav A, Naqvi S, Awasthi H, Fatima Z. Efficacy of Flavonoids in Combating Fluconazole Resistant Oral Candidiasis. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:1703-1713. [PMID: 35331090 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220324140257] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida is an opportunistic fungus often present in the oral mucosa. In the compromised immune system, it may become pathogenic and cause oral candidiasis. This infection is more common with Candida albicans; though, non-albicans Candida spp also have significant relevance. Current treatment guidelines include polyenes, azoles and echinocandins, where fluconazole is the primary therapeutic option. However, both inherited and acquired resistance to fluconazole is exhaustively reported. The development of resistance has resulted in the worsening of the original and re-emergence of new fungal diseases. Thus, the development of an anti-candidiasis therapy with a satisfactory outcome is the urgent need of the hour. OBJECTIVE This review article aims to stimulate the research in establishing the synergistic efficacy of various flavonoids with fluconazole to combat the resistance and develop an effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of oral candidiasis. Further, in this article, we discuss in detail the mechanisms of action of fluconazole, along with the molecular basis of development of resistance in Candida species. METHOD PubMed and other databases were used for literature search. RESULTS The designing of natural drugs from the plant- derived phytochemicals are the promising alternates in modern medicine. The challenge today is the development of alternative anti- oral candidiasis drugs with increased efficacy, bioavailability and better outcome which can combat azole resistance. Identifying the flavonoids with potential antifungal action at low concentrations seems to meet the challenges. CONCLUSION Phyto-active constituents, either alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics may be an effective approach to deal with global antimicrobial resistance. The efficacy of herbal therapy for decades suggests that bacteria, fungi, and viruses may have a reduced ability to adapt and resistance to these natural antimicrobial regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipti Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125,Noida,201313,India
| | - Aarti Yadav
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125,Noida,201313,India
| | - Salma Naqvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Himani Awasthi
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Zeeshan Fatima
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Lucknow, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector 125, Noida,201313, India
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Brankiewicz W, Okońska J, Serbakowska K, Lica J, Drab M, Ptaszyńska N, Łęgowska A, Rolka K, Szweda P. New Peptide Based Fluconazole Conjugates with Expanded Molecular Targets. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040693. [PMID: 35456526 PMCID: PMC9026428 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040693] [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] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of Candida spp. etiology are frequently treated with azole drugs. Among azoles, the most widely used in the clinical scenario remains fluconazole (FLC). Promising results in treatment of dangerous, systemic Candida infections demonstrate the advantages of combined therapies carried out with combinations of at least two different antifungal agents. Here, we report five conjugates composed of covalently linked FLC and cell penetrating or antimicrobial peptide: TP10-7-NH2, TP10-NH2, LFcinB(2-11)-NH2, LFcinB[Nle1,11]-NH2, and HLopt2-NH2, with aspects of design, chemical synthesis and their biological activities. Two of these compounds, namely FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2, exhibit high activity against reference strains and fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans, including strains overproducing drug transporters. Moreover, both of them demonstrate higher fungicidal effects compared to fluconazole. Analysis performed with fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry indicated the cell membrane as a molecular target of synthesized conjugates. An important advantage of FLCpOH-TP10-NH2 and FLCpOH-TP10-7-NH2 is their low cytotoxicity. The IC90 value for the human cells after 72 h treatment was comparable to the MIC50 value after 24 h treatment for most strains of C. albicans. In reported conjugates, FLC was linked to the peptide by its hydroxyl group. It is worth noting that conjugation of FLC by the nitrogen atom of the triazole ring led to practically inactive compounds. Two compounds produced by us and reported herein appear to be potential candidates for novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Brankiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Joanna Okońska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Katarzyna Serbakowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Jan Lica
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Marek Drab
- Unit of Nanostructural Bio-Interactions, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla-Street, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Natalia Ptaszyńska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (P.S.); Tel.: +48-58-523-5092 (N.P.); +48-58-347-2440 (P.S.); Fax: +48-58-523-5012 (N.P.)
| | - Anna Łęgowska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Krzysztof Rolka
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.O.); (J.L.); (A.Ł.); (K.R.)
| | - Piotr Szweda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (W.B.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (N.P.); (P.S.); Tel.: +48-58-523-5092 (N.P.); +48-58-347-2440 (P.S.); Fax: +48-58-523-5012 (N.P.)
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ALÇİ G, KEÇELİ SA, SARITAŞ BM. Distribution of Candida Species Isolated from Different Clincal Specimens and Their Antifungal Susceptibility Profile: A 5 Year Retrospective Analysis. KOCAELI ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.30934/kusbed.1037788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Al-Otibi FO, Alrumaizan GI, Alharbi RI. Evaluation of anticandidal activities and phytochemical examination of extracts prepared from Vitex agnus-castus: a possible alternative in treating candidiasis infections. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:69. [PMID: 35292012 PMCID: PMC8925216 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03552-x] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candidiasis infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Fungicidal resistance of some commercially used fungicides ascended the need for a naturally effective alternative. The current study aimed to evaluate the fungicidal activity of Vitex agnus-castus extracts in vitro against some Candida species. METHODS The bioactive compounds contained in the crude and alcoholic extracts were compared, and the antioxidant activity was tested, as well. The phytochemical analysis was carried out by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The scavenger activity of the tested extracts was tested, as well. The anticandidal activity was tested to detect the effect of the tested extracts on the mycelial growth of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candia tropicalis, Candida famata, Candida rhodotorula, and Candida dublinesis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated for all reported activities. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to detect the morphological and ultrastructure response in some selected species. RESULTS FTIR and GC/MS revealed the existence of different bioactive chemical groups such as polyphenols, fatty acids, terpenes, terpenoids, steroids, aldehydes, alcohols, and esters, phytol which is a diterpene. DPPH results confirmed the antioxidant activity of all extracts where the methanolic extract was the strongest scavenging substrate. All extracts showed strong inhibitory effects against different species at a concentration of 200 µg/ml (P < 0.001). SEM and TEM showed morphological and ultrastructure changes in C. famata. CONCLUSION The current study suggested a reliable antifungal activity of different extracts of Vitex agnus-castus against different Candida species and strains. However, further studies are required to confirm the safety of these extracts to be used in medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima O Al-Otibi
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O Box 22452, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ghaida I Alrumaizan
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O Box 22452, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raedah I Alharbi
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P. O Box 22452, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
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Ahmed N, Mahmood MS, Ullah MA, Araf Y, Rahaman TI, Moin AT, Hosen MJ. COVID-19-Associated Candidiasis: Possible Patho-Mechanism, Predisposing Factors, and Prevention Strategies. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:127. [PMID: 35287179 PMCID: PMC8918595 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is threatening public health. A large number of affected people need to be hospitalized. Immunocompromised patients and ICU-admitted patients are predisposed to further bacterial and fungal infections, making patient outcomes more critical. Among them, COVID-19-associated candidiasis is becoming more widely recognized as a part of severe COVID-19 sequelae. While the molecular pathophysiology is not fully understood, some factors, including a compromised immune system, iron and zinc deficiencies, and nosocomial and iatrogenic transmissions, predispose COVID-19 patients to candidiasis. In this review, we discuss the existing knowledge of the virulence characteristics of Candida spp. and summarize the key concepts in the possible molecular pathogenesis. We analyze the predisposing factors that make COVID-19 patients more susceptible to candidiasis and the preventive measures which will provide valuable insights to guide the effective prevention of candidiasis in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa Ahmed
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maiesha Samiha Mahmood
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Asad Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjim Ishraq Rahaman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Tayab Moin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Jakir Hosen
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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232
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Mucocutaneous Candida Infections in Immunocompromised Patients. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00356-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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233
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Wu SH, Yu JH, Liao YT, Liu KH, Chiang ER, Chang MC, Wang JP. Comparison of the Infant and Adult Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Proliferation, Senescence, Anti-oxidative Ability and Differentiation Potential. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:589-601. [PMID: 35247199 PMCID: PMC9130449 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infant adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) collected from excised polydactyly fat tissue, which was surgical waste, could be cultured and expanded in vitro in this study. In addition, the collecting process would not cause pain in the host. In this study, the proliferation, reduction of senescence, anti-oxidative ability, and differentiation potential in the infant ADSCs were compared with those in the adult ADSCs harvested from thigh liposuction to determine the availability of infant ADSCs. METHODS Proliferation was determined by detecting the fold changes in cell numbers and doubling time periods. Senescence was analyzed by investigating the age-related gene expression levels and the replicative stress. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expression, adipogenic, neurogenic, osteogenic, and tenogenic differentiation were compared by RT-qPCR. The chondrogenic differentiation efficiency was also determined using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The proliferation, SOD (SOD1, SOD2 and SOD3) gene expression, the stemness-related gene (c-MYC) and telomerase reverse transcriptase of the infant ADSCs at early passages were enhanced compared with those of the adults'. Cellular senescence related genes, including p16, p21 and p53, and replicative stress were reduced in the infant ADSCs. The adipogenic genes (PPARγ and LPL) and neurogenic genes (MAP2 and NEFH) of the infant ADSC differentiated cells were significantly higher than those of the adults' while the expression of the osteogenic genes (OCN and RUNX) and tenogenic genes (TNC and COL3A1) of both demonstrated opposite results. The chondrogenic markers (SOX9, COL2 and COL10) were enhanced in the infant ADSC differentiated chondrogenic pellets, and the expression levels of SODs were decreased during the differentiation process. CONCLUSION Cultured infant ADSCs demonstrate less cellular senescence and replicative stress, higher proliferation rates, better antioxidant defense activity, and higher potential of chondrogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Hsien Wu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112 Taiwan ,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan ,Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Huei Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, 33004 Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital, Yilan, 260 Taiwan
| | - En-Rung Chiang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan ,Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chau Chang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan ,Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
| | - Jung-pan Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112 Taiwan ,Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112 Taiwan
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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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235
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Peng Z, Tang J. Intestinal Infection of Candida albicans: Preventing the Formation of Biofilm by C. albicans and Protecting the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783010. [PMID: 35185813 PMCID: PMC8847744 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783010] [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: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The large mortality and morbidity rate of C. albicans infections is a crucial problem in medical mycology. Because the generation of biofilms and drug resistance are growing concerns, the growth of novel antifungal agents and the looking for newer objectives are necessary. In this review, inhibitors of C. albicans biofilm generation and molecular mechanisms of intestinal epithelial barrier protection are elucidated. Recent studies on various transcription elements; quorum-sensing molecules; host responses to adherence; and changes in efflux pumps, enzymes, bud to hyphal transition, and lipid profiles have increased the knowledge of the intricate mechanisms underlying biofilm resistance. In addition, the growth of novel biomaterials with anti-adhesive nature, natural products, drugs, bioactive compounds, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are being researched. Recently, more and more attention has been given to various metal nanoparticles that have also appeared as antibiofilm agents in C. albicans. The intestinal epithelial obstacle exerts an crucial effect on keeping intestinal homeostasis and is increasingly associated with various disorders associated with the intestine such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, allergies, hepatic inflammation, septic shock, etc. However, whether their involvement in the prevention of other intestinal disorders like IBD are useful in C. albicans remains unknown. Further studies must be carried out in order to validate their inhibition functions in intestinal C. albicans. This provides innovates ideas for intestinal C. albicans treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Peng
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Tang
- Department of Trauma-Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Lim EJ, Leng EGT, Tram NDT, Periayah MH, Ee PLR, Barkham TMS, Poh ZS, Verma NK, Lakshminarayanan R. Rationalisation of Antifungal Properties of α-Helical Pore-Forming Peptide, Mastoparan B. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041438. [PMID: 35209228 PMCID: PMC8879275 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, narrow spectrum of available antifungals, and increasing evolution of antifungal resistance necessitate the development of alternative therapies. Host defense peptides are regarded as the first line of defense against microbial invasion in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In this work, we investigated the effectiveness of four naturally occurring pore-forming antimicrobial peptides (melittin, magainin 2, cecropin A, and mastoparan B) against a panel of clinically relevant pathogens, including Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata. We present data on the antifungal activities of the four pore-forming peptides, assessed with descriptive statistics, and their cytocompatibility with cultured human cells. Among the four peptides, mastoparan B (MB) displayed potent antifungal activity, whereas cecropin A was the least potent. We show that MB susceptibility of phylogenetically distant non-candida albicans can vary and be described by different intrinsic physicochemical parameters of pore-forming α-helical peptides. These findings have potential therapeutic implications for the design and development of safe antifungal peptide-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Jianyang Lim
- Ocular Infections and Anti-Microbials Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (E.J.L.); (E.G.T.L.); (M.H.P.)
| | - Eunice Goh Tze Leng
- Ocular Infections and Anti-Microbials Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (E.J.L.); (E.G.T.L.); (M.H.P.)
| | - Nhan Dai Thien Tram
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore; (N.D.T.T.); (P.L.R.E.)
| | - Mercy Halleluyah Periayah
- Ocular Infections and Anti-Microbials Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (E.J.L.); (E.G.T.L.); (M.H.P.)
| | - Pui Lai Rachel Ee
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore; (N.D.T.T.); (P.L.R.E.)
| | | | - Zhi Sheng Poh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore;
| | - Navin Kumar Verma
- Ocular Infections and Anti-Microbials Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (E.J.L.); (E.G.T.L.); (M.H.P.)
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore;
- National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205, Singapore
- Correspondence: (N.K.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Ocular Infections and Anti-Microbials Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (E.J.L.); (E.G.T.L.); (M.H.P.)
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore; (N.D.T.T.); (P.L.R.E.)
- Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Correspondence: (N.K.V.); (R.L.)
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237
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Jiang W, Zhou M, Cong Z, Xie J, Zhang W, Chen S, Zou J, Ji Z, Shao N, Chen X, Li M, Liu R. Short Guanidinium‐Functionalized Poly(2‐oxazoline)s Displaying Potent Therapeutic Efficacy on Drug‐Resistant Fungal Infections. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202200778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Jiang
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Min Zhou
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Pharmacy CHINA
| | - Zihao Cong
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Jiayang Xie
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Sheng Chen
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Jingcheng Zou
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Zhemin Ji
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Ning Shao
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Xin Chen
- ECUST: East China University of Science and Technology School of Materials Science and Engineering CHINA
| | - Maoquan Li
- Tongji University Tenth People's Hospital: Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital School of medicine CHINA
| | - Runhui Liu
- East China University of Science and Technology Materials Science and Engineering 130 Meilong Road 200237 Shanghai CHINA
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238
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Zakhem AE, Istambouli R, Jabbour JF, Hindy JR, Gharamti A, Kanj SS. Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Candida Infections in Critically Ill Patients. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:46-59. [PMID: 35172358 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis (IC) has become a serious problem in the intensive care unit patients with an attributable mortality rate that can reach up to 51%. Multiple global surveillance studies have shown an increasing incidence of candidemia. Despite their limited sensitivity (21-71%), cultures remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of IC associated with candidemia. Many adjunct laboratory tests exist to support or rule out the diagnosis, each with its indications and limitations, including procalcitonin, 1,3-β-D-glucan, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies, and Candida albicans germ tube antibody. In addition, polymerase chain reaction-based methods could expedite species identification in positive blood cultures, helping in guiding early empirical antifungal therapy. The management of IC in critically ill patients can be classified into prophylactic, preemptive, empiric, and directed/targeted therapy of a documented infection. There is no consensus concerning the benefit of prophylactic therapy in critically ill patients. While early initiation of appropriate therapy in confirmed IC is an important determinant of survival, the selection of candidates and drug of choice for empirical systemic antifungal therapy is more controversial. The choice of antifungal agents is determined by many factors, including the host, the site of infection, the species of the isolated Candida, and its susceptibility profile. Echinocandins are considered initial first-line therapy agents. Due to the conflicting results of the various studies on the benefit of preemptive therapy for critically ill patients and the lack of robust evidence, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) omitted this category from its updated guidelines and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and the Critically Ill Patients Study Group of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) do not recommend it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline El Zakhem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rachid Istambouli
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Francois Jabbour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joya-Rita Hindy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Amal Gharamti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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239
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Tomičić R, Tomičić Z, Raspor P. Influence of culture conditions on co-aggregation of probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii with Candida spp. and their auto-aggregation. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2022; 67:507-515. [PMID: 35169980 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-00956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Systemic infections caused by pathogenic Candida species pose a significant threat to public health in the past decades due to increasing resistance to existing antifungal drugs. Given this scenario, probiotics have been suggested as an alternative approach for managing Candida infections. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii co-aggregate with Candida spp. as well as to determine their auto-aggregation ability in dependence on temperature (28 °C, 37 °C, 42 °C) and pH (4.5, 7.0, 8.5) after 5 h and 24 h. Our results revealed that the aggregation of tested yeasts was lower in the first 5 h but increased significantly after 24 h. All strains were able to auto-aggregate in different degrees ranging from 47.46 to 95.95% assessed at 24 h of incubation. Among them the highest auto-aggregation values had C. albicans and C. krusei strains followed by probiotic strain S. boulardii, while the less were observed in C. glabrata strains. In addition, co-aggregation between probiotic and Candida strains was strain-specific. It was evident that S. boulardii significantly inhibited the aggregation of C. albicans ATCC 10261, C. krusei ATCC 6258, and C. glabrata ZIM 2369. However, in C. glabrata ZIM 2382, the aggregation was even enhanced. Temperature and pH also affected the ability to aggregate in a different way only after 5 h of incubation, with the highest cell aggregation evidenced at temperature 37 °C in most cases and pH 4.5. These findings may be of importance when trying to establish probiotic use against pathogenic Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ružica Tomičić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Zorica Tomičić
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Peter Raspor
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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240
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Green RM, Bicker KL. Development of an Anti-Biofilm Screening Technique Leads to the Discovery of a Peptoid with Efficacy against Candida albicans. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:310-320. [PMID: 35107257 PMCID: PMC9972850 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria and fungi can secrete and reside within a complex polysaccharide matrix, forming a biofilm that protects these pathogens from the immune response and conventional antibiotics. Because many microbial pathogens grow within biofilms in clinical settings, there is a need for antimicrobial agents effective against biofilm-protected infections. We report the adaptation of a phenotypic high-throughput assay for discovering antimicrobial peptoids toward the screening of combinatorial libraries against established biofilms. This method, termed the Inverted Peptoid Library Agar Diffusion (iPLAD) assay, required optimization of growth media, reducing reagent, and fungal viability reporter. Once optimized, iPLAD was used to screen a combinatorial peptoid library against Candida albicans, a biofilm-forming fungal pathogen responsible for most hospital-acquired infections. This screening resulted in a lipopeptoid termed RMG9-11 with excellent activity against several species of Candida, including drug-resistant strains of C. albicans and the emerging and dangerous C. auris. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of RMG9-11 against several mammalian cell lines was minimal. This work provides a new method for the identification of compounds effective against biofilm-protected pathogens and demonstrates its utility by identifying a promising anti-Candida peptoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Madison Green
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Kevin L. Bicker
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
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241
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Sadanandan B, Ashrit P, Nataraj LK, Shetty K, Jogalekar AP, Vaniyamparambath V, Hemanth B. High throughput comparative assessment of biofilm formation of Candida glabrata on polystyrene material. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-021-1054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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242
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Allert S, Schulz D, Kämmer P, Großmann P, Wolf T, Schäuble S, Panagiotou G, Brunke S, Hube B. From environmental adaptation to host survival: Attributes that mediate pathogenicity of Candida auris. Virulence 2022; 13:191-214. [PMID: 35142597 PMCID: PMC8837256 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2026037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species are a major cause of invasive fungal infections. While Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis are the most dominant species causing life-threatening candidiasis, C. auris recently emerged as a new species causing invasive infections with high rates of clinical treatment failures. To mimic initial phases of systemic Candida infections with dissemination via the bloodstream and to elucidate the pathogenic potential of C. auris, we used an ex vivo whole blood infection model. Similar to other clinically relevant Candida spp., C. auris is efficiently killed in human blood, but showed characteristic patterns of immune cell association, survival rates, and cytokine induction. Dual-species transcriptional profiling of C. auris-infected blood revealed a unique C. auris gene expression program during infection, while the host response proofed similar and conserved compared to other Candida species. C. auris-specific responses included adaptation and survival strategies, such as counteracting oxidative burst of immune cells, but also expression of potential virulence factors, (drug) transporters, and cell surface-associated genes. Despite comparable pathogenicity to other Candida species in our model, C. auris-specific transcriptional adaptations as well as its increased stress resistance and long-term environmental survival, likely contribute to the high risk of contamination and distribution in a nosocomial setting. Moreover, infections of neutrophils with pre-starved C. auris cells suggest that environmental preconditioning can have modulatory effects on the early host interaction. In summary, we present novel insights into C. auris pathogenicity, revealing adaptations to human blood and environmental niches distinctive from other Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Schulz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Kämmer
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Großmann
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Wolf
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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243
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Balcioglu H. Candida Albicans: The Invasive Friend of Internal Body World. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.29333/jcei/11705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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244
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Function of the phosphatidylinositol synthase Pis1 in maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum function and pathogenicity in Candida albicans. Fungal Genet Biol 2022; 160:103674. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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245
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Hussein M, Wong LJ, Zhao J, Rees VE, Allobawi R, Sharma R, Rao GG, Baker M, Li J, Velkov T. Unique mechanistic insights into pathways associated with the synergistic activity of polymyxin B and caspofungin against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:1077-1087. [PMID: 35284046 PMCID: PMC8897686 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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246
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Deng JH, Zhang XG, Wang GS, Luo JN, Wang J, Qi XM, Li YL. Effect of Cinnamaldehyde on C. albicans cell wall and (1,3)- β - D-glucans in vivo. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:32. [PMID: 35101002 PMCID: PMC8805247 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03468-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence rate of invasive candidiasis is high, its treatment is difficult, and the prognosis is poor. In this study, an immunosuppressive mouse model of invasive Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection was constructed to observe the effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) on the C. albicans cell wall structure and cell wall (1,3)-β-D-glucan contents. This study provides a theoretical basis for CA treatment to target invasive C. albicans infection. METHODS Immunosuppressed mice with invasive C. albicans infection were given an oral dosage of CA (240 mg.kg- 1.d- 1) for 14 days. Then, mouse lung tissue samples were collected for detection of the levels of (1,3)-β-D-glucan and transmission electron microscopy observations, using fluconazole as a positive control and 2% Tween 80 saline as a negative control. RESULTS The immunosuppressive mouse model of invasive C. albicans infection was successfully established. The levels of (1,3)-β-D-glucan in the CA treatment group, fluconazole positive control group, invasive C. albicans infection immunosuppressive mouse model group, and 2% Tween 80 normal saline control group were 86.55 ± 126.73 pg/ml, 1985.13 ± 203.56 pg/ml, 5930.57 ± 398.67 pg/ml and 83.36 ± 26.35 pg/ml, respectively. Statistically, the CA treatment group, fluconazole positive control group and invasive C. albicans infection immunosuppressive mouse model group were compared with each other (P < 0.01) and compared with the 2% Tween 80 saline group (P < 0.01), showing that the differences were very significant. Comparison of the CA treatment group with the fluconazole positive control group (P < 0.05) displayed a difference as well. Electron microscopy showed that CA destroyed the cell wall of C. albicans, where the outer layer of the cell wall fell off and became thinner and the nuclei and organelles dissolved, but the cell membrane remained clear and intact. CONCLUSION CA destroys the cell wall structure of C. albicans by interfering with the synthesis of (1,3)-β-D-glucan to kill C. albicans. However, CA does not affect the cell membrane. This study provides a theoretical basis for CA treatment to target invasive C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Hua Deng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Gang-Sheng Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jing-Na Luo
- Translational Medicine Center, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Quality Control Department, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Qi
- Electron Microscopy Room of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yan-Ling Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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247
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Cyclic Tetrapeptides with Synergistic Antifungal Activity from the Fungus Aspergillus westerdijkiae Using LC-MS/MS-Based Molecular Networking. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020166. [PMID: 35203768 PMCID: PMC8868193 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal natural products play a prominent role in the development of pharmaceuticalagents. Two new cyclic tetrapeptides (CTPs), westertide A (1) and B (2), with eight known compounds (3–10) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus westerdijkiae guided by OSMAC (one strain-many compounds) and molecular networking strategies. The structures of new compounds were unambiguously determined by a combination of NMR and mass data analysis, and chemical methods. All of the isolates were evaluated for antimicrobial effects, synergistic antifungal activity, cytotoxic activity, and HDAC inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–2 showed synergistic antifungal activity against Candida albicans SC5314 with the presence of rapamycin and weak HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitory activity. These results indicate that molecular networking is an efficient approach for dereplication and identification of new CTPs. CTPs might be a good starting point for the development of synergistic antifungal agents.
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248
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Kutlu M, Sayın-Kutlu S, Alp-Çavuş S, Öztürk ŞB, Taşbakan M, Özhak B, Kaya O, Kutsoylu OE, Şenol-Akar Ş, Turhan Ö, Mermut G, Ertuğrul B, Pullukcu H, Çetin ÇB, Avkan-Oğuz V, Yapar N, Yeşim-Metin D, Ergin Ç. Mortality-associated factors of candidemia: a multi-center prospective cohort in Turkey. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 41:597-607. [PMID: 35083558 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Candidemia may present as severe and life-threatening infections and is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in patients with candidemia. A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted in seven university hospitals in six provinces in the western part of Turkey. Patient data were collected with a structured form between January 2018 and April 2019. In total, 425 episodes of candidemia were observed during the study period. Two hundred forty-one patients died within 30 days, and the 30-day crude mortality rate was 56.7%. Multivariable analysis found that SOFA score (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.154-1.420, p < 0.001), parenteral nutrition (OR: 3.9, CI: 1.752-8.810, p = 0.001), previous antibacterial treatment (OR: 9.32, CI: 1.634-53.744, p = 0.012), newly developed renal failure after candidemia (OR: 2.7, CI: 1.079-6.761, p = 0.034), and newly developed thrombocytopenia after candidemia (OR: 2.6, CI: 1. 057-6.439, p = 0.038) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Central venous catheter removal was the only factor protective against mortality (OR: 0.34, CI:0.147-0.768, p = 0.010) in multivariable analysis. Candidemia mortality is high in patients with high SOFA scores, those receiving TPN therapy, and those who previously received antibacterial therapy. Renal failure and thrombocytopenia developing after candidemia should be followed carefully in patients. Antifungal therapy and removing the central venous catheter are essential in the management of candidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Kutlu
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department, Pamukkale University, School of Medicine, Kınıklı/Pamukkale, 20070, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Selda Sayın-Kutlu
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Sema Alp-Çavuş
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Şerife Barçın Öztürk
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Meltem Taşbakan
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Betil Özhak
- Medical Microbiology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Onur Kaya
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Oya Eren Kutsoylu
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Şebnem Şenol-Akar
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Özge Turhan
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gülşen Mermut
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Bülent Ertuğrul
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Hüsnü Pullukcu
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Banu Çetin
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Vildan Avkan-Oğuz
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Nur Yapar
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Çağrı Ergin
- Medical Microbiology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
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249
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Rhimi W, Sgroi G, Aneke CI, Annoscia G, Latrofa MS, Mosca A, Veneziano V, Otranto D, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Cafarchia C. Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) as Reservoir of Zoonotic Yeasts: Bioindicator of Environmental Quality. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:235-248. [PMID: 35072853 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00613-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife animals are recognized as reservoirs for zoonotic fungi and their faeces might play an important role in introducing pathogens into the environment. Thought wild boar (Sus scrofa) population has dramatically increased across Europe, information about their possible role in dissemination of zoonotic pathogenic yeasts in the environment is scant. Therefore, fecal samples (n = 124) from wild boars from Campania region (Southern Italy) were collected and yeasts identified biochemically and molecularly by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and their phylogenetical relationship assessed. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of yeasts were also investigated using AFST-EUCAST method. Yeasts were isolated from 50.1% of the samples with the highest occurrence in samples from the province of Salerno (61.1%). A total of 368 Candida strains belonging to nine species were identified, with Candida albicans (45.7%), followed by Candida krusei (15.2%), Kazachstania slooffiae (9.8%) and Candida parapsilosis (7.6%) as the most prevalent identified species. Among C. albicans four sequence types (i.e., ST1-ST4) were identified with an intraspecific nucleotide difference up to 0.21%. The ML tree grouped all representative sequence types as paraphyletic clades with those of the references yeast species, respectively and supported by high bootstrap values. Fluconazole was the less active drug whereas, posaconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole the most active one. No resistance phenomena were observed for C. albicans and high MICs values for 5FC, azoles and echinocandines were registered in non-albicans Candida spp. This study showed, for the first time, the important role of wild boars in dissemination of pathogenic fungi in the environment. The absence of resistance phenomena in the Candida spp. might reflect environmental free from residues of azoles antifungals pollution or chemicals and suggests the role of wild boar as bio indicators of environment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Rhimi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Chioma Inyang Aneke
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Giada Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Adriana Mosca
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio - Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Cafarchia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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Priya A, Nivetha S, Pandian SK. Synergistic Interaction of Piperine and Thymol on Attenuation of the Biofilm Formation, Hyphal Morphogenesis and Phenotypic Switching in Candida albicans. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:780545. [PMID: 35127553 PMCID: PMC8807486 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.780545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of fungal infections has significantly increased in recent years due to the emergence of antifungal resistance. Biofilm formation is considered to be a major contributor to both the infectious diseases and to antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, biofilm-associated infections are often problematic to treat with existing therapeutics. Adhesion of C. albicans to the host surface or implanted materials followed by hyphal invasion and biofilm formation enhances C. albicans pathogenicity and virulence. Thus, developing a therapeutic agent that inhibits candidal adherence, biofilm development and morphological switching could improve clinical management of infections. The present investigation studied two emerging and alternatives strategies, namely antibiofilm and combinatorial approach, to attenuate biofilm formation and the expression of Candida virulence factors. Piperine and thymol are major bioactive components of pepper and thyme, respectively. These phytochemicals are known to possess numerous biological activities, including recently reported antibiofilm effects against C. albicans. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of both phytochemicals was determined to be 32 µg/ml. The phytochemical treatment of Candida biofilms using piperine and thymol revealed synergistic effects at four different combinations of concentrations, i.e. 8 and 8, 8 and 4, 8 and 2 and 4 and 8 µg/ml. These synergistic combinations resulted in the significant reduction in adherence of Candida, hyphal extension and morphological transformation. Moreover, limited exposure of synergistic combinations controlled the hyphal elongation. Results were validated through the gene expression analysis. Results from the present investigation suggest that piperine and thymol can be synergistically employed for the treatment of biofilm-associated C. albicans infection.
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