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Peng Y, Liu Y, Yu X, Fang J, Guo Z, Liao K, Chen P, Guo P. First report of Candida auris in Guangdong, China: clinical and microbiological characteristics of 7 episodes of candidemia. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2300525. [PMID: 38164742 PMCID: PMC10773663 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2300525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen worldwide. To date, it has not been reported in Guangdong, China. For the first time, we reported 7 cases of C. auris candidemia from two hospitals in Guangdong. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of these cases were investigated carefully. Two geographic clades, i.e. III and I, were found popular in different hospitals by whole genome sequencing analyses. All C. auris isolates from bloodstream were resistant to fluconazole, 5 of which belonged to Clade III harbouring VF125AL mutation in the ERG11 gene. The isolates with Clade I presented Y132F mutation in the ERG11 gene as well as resistance to amphotericin B. All isolates exhibited strong biofilm-forming capacity and non-aggregative phenotype. The mean time from admission to onset of C. auris candidemia was 39.4 days (range: 12 - 80 days). Despite performing appropriate therapeutic regimen, 42.9% (3/7) of patients experienced occurrences of C. auris candidemia and colonization after the first positive bloodstream. C. auris colonization was still observed after the first C. auris candidemia for 81 days in some patient. Microbiologic eradication from bloodstream was achieved in 85.7% (6/7) of patients at discharge. In conclusion, this study offers a crucial insight into unravelling the multiple origins of C. auris in Guangdong, highlighting great challenges in clinical prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuegao Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingchun Fang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Nansha Division of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaowang Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kang Liao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peisong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Penghao Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Holt AM, Nett JE. Innate immune response to Candida auris. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102510. [PMID: 38964276 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, a newly emergent fungal species, has been spreading in health care systems and causing life-threatening infections. Intact innate immunity is essential for protection against many invasive fungal infections, including candidiasis. Here, we highlight recent studies exploring immune interactions with C. auris, including investigations using animal models and ex vivo immune cells. We summarize innate immune studies comparing C. auris and the common fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We also discuss how structures of the C. auris cell wall influence immune recognition, the role of soluble host factors in immune recognition, and areas of future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Holt
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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3
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Kim HY, Nguyen TA, Kidd S, Chambers J, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Shin JH, Dao A, Forastiero A, Wahyuningsih R, Chakrabarti A, Beyer P, Gigante V, Beardsley J, Sati H, Morrissey CO, Alffenaar JW. Candida auris-a systematic review to inform the world health organization fungal priority pathogens list. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae042. [PMID: 38935900 PMCID: PMC11210622 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022 developed a fungal priority pathogen list. Candida auris was ultimately ranked as a critical priority pathogen. PubMed and Web of Science were used to find studies published from 1 January 2011 to 18 February 2021, reporting on predefined criteria including: mortality, morbidity (i.e., hospitalization and disability), drug resistance, preventability, yearly incidence, and distribution/emergence. Thirty-seven studies were included in the final analysis. The overall and 30-day mortality rates associated with C. auris candidaemia ranged from 29% to 62% and 23% to 67%, respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 46-68 days, ranging up to 140 days. Late-onset complications of C. auris candidaemia included metastatic septic complications. Resistance rates to fluconazole were as high as 87%-100%. Susceptibility to isavuconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole varied with MIC90 values of 0.06-1.0 mg/l. Resistance rates to voriconazole ranged widely from 28% to 98%. Resistance rates ranged between 8% and 35% for amphotericin B and 0%-8% for echinocandins. Over the last ten years, outbreaks due to C. auris have been reported in in all WHO regions. Given the outbreak potential of C. auris, the emergence and spread of MDR strains, and the challenges associated with its identification, and eradication of its environmental sources in healthcare settings, prevention and control measures based on the identified risk factors should be evaluated for their effectiveness and feasibility. Global surveillance studies could better inform the incidence rates and distribution patterns to evaluate the global burden of C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, NSW Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thi Anh Nguyen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua Chambers
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jong-Hee Shin
- Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Aiken Dao
- Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Agustina Forastiero
- Antimicrobial Resistance Special Program, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Division of Mycology, Faculty of Medicine of the Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | - Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, NSW Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - C Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, NSW Health, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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4
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Santana DJ, Zhao G, O’Meara TR. The many faces of Candida auris: Phenotypic and strain variation in an emerging pathogen. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012011. [PMID: 38427609 PMCID: PMC10906884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen with unusual evolutionary history-there are multiple distinct phylogeographic clades showing a near simultaneous transition from a currently unknown reservoir to nosocomial pathogen. Each of these clades has experienced different selective pressures over time, likely resulting in selection for genotypes with differential fitness or phenotypic consequences when introduced to new environments. We also observe diversification within clades, providing additional opportunities for phenotypic differences. These differences can have large impacts on pathogenic potential, drug resistance profile, evolutionary trajectory, and transmissibility. In recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of strain-specific behavior in other microbes, including bacterial and fungal pathogens, and we have an opportunity to take this strain variation into account when describing aspects of C. auris biology. Here, we critically review the literature to gain insight into differences at both the strain and clade levels in C. auris, focusing on phenotypes associated with clinical disease or transmission. Our goal is to integrate clinical and epidemiological perspectives with molecular perspectives in a way that would be valuable for both audiences. Identifying differences between strains and understanding which phenotypes are strain specific will be crucial for understanding this emerging pathogen, and an important caveat when describing the analysis of a singular isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darian J. Santana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Guolei Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Teresa R. O’Meara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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5
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Miramón P, Pountain AW, Lorenz MC. Candida auris-macrophage cellular interactions and transcriptional response. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0027423. [PMID: 37815367 PMCID: PMC10652981 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00274-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida auris represents a global threat of the utmost clinical relevance. This emerging fungal species is remarkable in its resistance to commonly used antifungal agents and its persistence in the nosocomial settings. The innate immune system is one the first lines of defense preventing the dissemination of pathogens in the host. C. auris is susceptible to circulating phagocytes, and understanding the molecular details of these interactions may suggest routes to improved therapies. In this work, we examined the interactions of this yeast with macrophages. We found that macrophages avidly phagocytose C. auris; however, intracellular replication is not inhibited, indicating that C. auris resists the killing mechanisms imposed by the phagocyte. Unlike Candida albicans, phagocytosis of C. auris does not induce macrophage lysis. The transcriptional response of C. auris to macrophage phagocytosis is very similar to other members of the CUG clade (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae), i.e., downregulation of transcription/translation and upregulation of alternative carbon metabolism pathways, transporters, and induction of oxidative stress response and proteolysis. Gene family expansions are common in this yeast, and we found that many of these genes are induced in response to macrophage co-incubation. Among these, amino acid and oligopeptide transporters, as well as lipases and proteases, are upregulated. Thus, C. auris shares key transcriptional signatures shared with other fungal pathogens and capitalizes on the expansion of gene families coding for potential virulence attributes that allow its survival, persistence, and evasion of the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Miramón
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | | | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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6
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Mulet Bayona JV, Tormo Palop N, Salvador García C, Guna Serrano MDR, Gimeno Cardona C. Candida auris from colonisation to candidemia: A four-year study. Mycoses 2023; 66:882-890. [PMID: 37401661 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris has become a worrisome multi-drug resistant healthcare-associated pathogen due to its capacity to colonise patients and surfaces and to cause outbreaks of invasive infections in critically ill patients. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the outbreak in our setting in a 4-year period, reporting the risk factors for developing candidemia in previously colonised patients, the therapeutic measures for candidemia and the outcome of candidemia and colonisation cases among all C. auris isolates and their susceptibility to antifungals. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from patients admitted to Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (Spain) from September 2017 to September 2021. A retrospective case-control study was designed to identify risk factors for developing C. auris candidemia in previously colonised patients. RESULTS C. auris affected 550 patients, of which 210 (38.2%) had some clinical sample positive. Isolates were uniformly resistant to fluconazole, 20 isolates were resistant to echinocandins (2.8%) and four isolates were resistant to ampfotericin B (0.6%). There were 86 candidemia cases. APACHE II, digestive disease and catheter isolate were proven to be independent risk factors for developing candidemia in previously colonised patients. Thirty-day mortality rate for C. auris candidemia cases was 32.6%, while for colonisation cases was 33.7%. CONCLUSIONS Candidemia was one of the most frequent and severe infections caused by C. auris. The risk factors identified in this study should help to detect patients who are at more risk of developing candidemia, as long as an adequate surveillance of C. auris colonisation is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente Mulet Bayona
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Tormo Palop
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carme Salvador García
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Concepción Gimeno Cardona
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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7
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Gatica S, Fuentes B, Rivera-Asín E, Ramírez-Céspedes P, Sepúlveda-Alfaro J, Catalán EA, Bueno SM, Kalergis AM, Simon F, Riedel CA, Melo-Gonzalez F. Novel evidence on sepsis-inducing pathogens: from laboratory to bedside. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1198200. [PMID: 37426029 PMCID: PMC10327444 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1198200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. Among the leading causative agents of sepsis are bacterial pathogens Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes, along with fungal pathogens of the Candida species. Here, we focus on evidence from human studies but also include in vitro and in vivo cellular and molecular evidence, exploring how bacterial and fungal pathogens are associated with bloodstream infection and sepsis. This review presents a narrative update on pathogen epidemiology, virulence factors, host factors of susceptibility, mechanisms of immunomodulation, current therapies, antibiotic resistance, and opportunities for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics, through the perspective of bloodstream infection and sepsis. A list of curated novel host and pathogen factors, diagnostic and prognostic markers, and potential therapeutical targets to tackle sepsis from the research laboratory is presented. Further, we discuss the complex nature of sepsis depending on the sepsis-inducing pathogen and host susceptibility, the more common strains associated with severe pathology and how these aspects may impact in the management of the clinical presentation of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Gatica
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brandon Fuentes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elizabeth Rivera-Asín
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Ramírez-Céspedes
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Sepúlveda-Alfaro
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo A. Catalán
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Simon
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Melo-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
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8
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Giacobbe DR, Mikulska M, Vena A, Di Pilato V, Magnasco L, Marchese A, Bassetti M. Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of candidemia due to multidrug-resistant Candida auris. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1061150. [PMID: 37746122 PMCID: PMC10512377 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1061150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Unità di Microbiologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Ahmad S, Asadzadeh M. Strategies to Prevent Transmission of Candida auris in Healthcare Settings. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023; 17:36-48. [PMID: 36718372 PMCID: PMC9878498 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Candida auris, a recently recognized yeast pathogen, has become a major public health threat due to the problems associated with its accurate identification, intrinsic and acquired resistance to antifungal drugs, and its potential to easily contaminate the environment causing clonal outbreaks in healthcare facilities. These outbreaks are associated with high mortality rates particularly among older patients with multiple comorbidities under intensive care settings. The purpose of this review is to highlight strategies that are being adapted to prevent transmission of C. auris in healthcare settings. Recent Findings Colonized patients shed C. auris into their environment which contaminates surrounding equipment. It resists elimination even by robust decontamination procedures and is easily transmitted to new patients during close contact resulting in outbreaks. Efforts are being made to rapidly identify C. auris-infected/C. auris-colonized patients, to determine its susceptibility to antifungals, and to perform effective cleaning and decontamination of the environment and isolation of colonized patients to prevent further transmission. Summary Rapid and accurate identification of hospitalized patients infected/colonized with C. auris, rapid detection of its susceptibility patterns, and appropriate use of infection control measures can help to contain the spread of this highly pathogenic yeast in healthcare settings and prevent/control outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
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10
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Watkins RR, Gowen R, Lionakis MS, Ghannoum M. Update on the Pathogenesis, Virulence, and Treatment of Candida auris. Pathog Immun 2022; 7:46-65. [PMID: 36329818 PMCID: PMC9620957 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i2.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi-drug resistant fungal pathogen that causes considerable morbidity and mortality. First identified in Japan in 2009, it has since been reported in more than 40 countries. C. auris can persist for long periods on different environmental surfaces as well as the skin. Clinical isolates are typically resistant to commonly prescribed antifungal drugs. Increasingly recognized as a cause of infections and outbreaks in nosocomial settings, C. auris is difficult to identify using traditional microbiological methods. One of the main reasons for the ongoing spread of C. auris is the multitude of virulence factors it possesses and uses against its human host that enables fungal persistence on the skin surface. Yet, many of the virulence mechanisms are unknown or remain incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize the evolution of virulence of C. auris, offer recommendations for combating this important human pathogen, and suggest directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R. Watkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Richard R. Watkins, MD, MS, FACP, FIDSA, FISAC;
| | - Rachael Gowen
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mahmoud Ghannoum
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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11
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Vu CA, Jimenez A, Anjan S, Abbo LM. Challenges and opportunities in stewardship among solid organ transplant recipients with
Candida auris
bloodstream infections. Transpl Infect Dis 2022; 24:e13919. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.13919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine A. Vu
- Department of Pharmacy Jackson Memorial Hospital Miami Florida USA
| | - Adriana Jimenez
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control Jackson Health System Miami Florida USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - Shweta Anjan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami Florida USA
- Miami Transplant Institute Jackson Health System Miami Florida USA
| | - Lilian M. Abbo
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control Jackson Health System Miami Florida USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami Florida USA
- Miami Transplant Institute Jackson Health System Miami Florida USA
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12
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Amatuzzi RF, Zamith-Miranda D, Munhoz da Rocha IF, Lucena ACR, de Toledo Martins S, Streit R, Staats CC, Trentin G, Almeida F, Rodrigues ML, Nosanchuk JD, Alves LR. Caspofungin Affects Extracellular Vesicle Production and Cargo in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:990. [PMID: 36294557 PMCID: PMC9605528 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifungal resistance has become more frequent, either due to the emergence of naturally resistant species or the development of mechanisms that lead to resistance in previously susceptible species. Among these fungal species of global threat, Candida auris stands out for commonly being highly resistant to antifungal drugs, and some isolates are pan-resistant. The rate of mortality linked to C. auris infections varies from 28% to 78%. In this study, we characterized C. auris extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the presence of caspofungin, an echinocandin, which is the recommended first line antifungal for the treatment of infections due to this emerging pathogen. Furthermore, we also analyzed the protein and RNA content of EVs generated by C. auris cultivated with or without treatment with caspofungin. We observed that caspofungin led to the increased production of EVs, and treatment also altered the type and quantity of RNA molecules and proteins enclosed in the EVs. There were distinct classes of RNAs in the EVs with ncRNAs being the most identified molecules, and tRNA-fragments (tRFs) were abundant in each of the strains studied. We also identified anti-sense RNAs, varying from 21 to 55 nt in length. The differentially abundant mRNAs detected in EVs isolated from yeast subjected to caspofungin treatment were related to translation, nucleosome core and cell wall. The differentially regulated proteins identified in the EVs produced during caspofungin treatment were consistent with the results observed with the RNAs, with the enriched terms being related to translation and cell wall. Our study adds new information on how an echinocandin can affect the EV pathway, which is associated with the yeast cell being able to evade treatment and persist in the host. The ability of C. auris to efficiently alter the composition of EVs may represent a mechanism for the fungus to mitigate the effects of antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela F. Amatuzzi
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Aline C. R. Lucena
- Laboratory for Applied Sciences and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Sharon de Toledo Martins
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Streit
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91509-900, Brazil
| | - Charley C. Staats
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91509-900, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Trentin
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
- Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Lysangela R. Alves
- Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ PR, Curitiba 81350-010, Brazil
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13
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Candida auris Candidemia in Critically Ill, Colonized Patients: Cumulative Incidence and Risk Factors. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1149-1160. [PMID: 35404010 PMCID: PMC8995918 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00625-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, and a sharp rise in cases of colonization and infection has been registered in intensive care units (ICUs) during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The unfavorable resistance profile of C. auris and the potential high mortality of C. auris infections represent an important challenge for physicians. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study including all patients admitted to ICUs with isolation of C. auris in any non-sterile body site between February 20, 2020, and May 31, 2021. The primary aim of the study was to assess the cumulative incidence of C. auris candidemia in colonized patients. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of C. auris candidemia in the study population. Results During the study period, 157 patients admitted to ICUs in our hospital became colonized with C. auris; 59% of them were affected by COVID-19. Overall, 27 patients (17%) developed C. auris candidemia. The cumulative risk of developing C. auris candidemia was > 25% at 60 days after first detection of C. auris colonization. Seven patients with C. auris candidemia (26%) also developed a late recurrent episode. All C. auris blood isolates during the first occurring episode were resistant to fluconazole and susceptible to echinocandins, while 15 (56%) were resistant to amphotericin B. During late recurrent episodes, emergent resistance to caspofungin and amphotericin B occurred in one case each. In the final multivariable model, only multisite colonization retained an independent association with the development of C. auris candidemia. Conclusion Candida auris candidemia may occur in up to one fourth of colonized critically ill patients, and multisite colonization is an independent risk factor for the development of candidemia. Implementing adequate infection control measures remains crucial to prevent colonization with C. auris and indirectly the subsequent development of infection.
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14
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Asadzadeh M, Mokaddas E, Ahmad S, Abdullah AA, de Groot T, Meis JF, Shetty SA. Molecular characterisation of Candida auris isolates from immunocompromised patients in a tertiary-care hospital in Kuwait reveals a novel mutation in FKS1 conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. Mycoses 2021; 65:331-343. [PMID: 34953089 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is an emerging, potentially multidrug-resistant pathogen that exhibits clade-specific resistance to fluconazole and also develops resistance to echinocandins and amphotericin B easily. This study analysed 49 C auris isolates for alterations in hotspot-1 and hotspot-2 of FKS1 for the detection of mutations conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. METHODS C auris isolates (n = 49) obtained from 18 immunocompromised patients during June 2016-December 2018 were analysed. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by Etest and broth microdilution-based MICRONAUT-AM assay. Mutations in hotspot-1 and hotspot-2 regions of FKS1 were detected by PCR sequencing and fingerprinting of the isolates was done by short tandem repeat typing. RESULTS The patients had multiple comorbidities/risk factors for Candida spp. infection including cancer/leukaemia/lymphoma/myeloma (n = 16), arterial/central line (n = 17), urinary catheter (n = 17), mechanical ventilation (n = 14) and major surgery (n = 9) and received antifungal drugs as prophylaxis and/or empiric treatment. Seven patients developed C auris candidemia/breakthrough candidemia, nine patients had candiduria with/without candidemia and four patients developed surgical site/respiratory infection. Resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B was detected in 44 and four isolates, respectively. Twelve C auris isolates from eight patients showed reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. Seven isolates contained hostspot-1 mutations and three isolates from a candidemia patient contained R1354H mutation in hotspot-2 of FKS1. Ten patients died, five were cured, two were lost to follow-up and treatment details for one patient were not available. CONCLUSIONS Our findings describe development of a novel mutation in FKS1 conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins in one patient during treatment and unfavourable clinical outcome for many C auris-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Eiman Mokaddas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.,Microbiology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | | | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Shama A Shetty
- Microbiology Department, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
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15
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Leibovici L, Rodríguez-Baño J, Chemaly RF, Cutler S, Huttner A, Kalil AC, Leeflang M, Lina G, Paul M, Scudeller L, Tassios PT, Yusuf E. Prediction models in CMI. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:311-312. [PMID: 34902543 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Garcia-Bustos V, Cabanero-Navalon MD, Ruiz-Saurí A, Ruiz-Gaitán AC, Salavert M, Tormo MÁ, Pemán J. What Do We Know about Candida auris? State of the Art, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2177. [PMID: 34683498 PMCID: PMC8538163 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has unprecedently emerged as a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen, considered a serious global threat due to its potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with staggering transmissibility and mortality, that has put health authorities and institutions worldwide in check for more than a decade now. Due to its unique features not observed in other yeasts, it has been categorised as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other international agencies. Moreover, epidemiological alerts have been released in view of the increase of healthcare-associated C. auris outbreaks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarises the current evidence on C. auris since its first description, from virulence to treatment and outbreak control, and highlights the knowledge gaps and future directions for research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta D. Cabanero-Navalon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Ruiz-Saurí
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba C. Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - María Á. Tormo
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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17
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Bapat PS, Nobile CJ. Photodynamic Therapy Is Effective Against Candida auris Biofilms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:713092. [PMID: 34540717 PMCID: PMC8446617 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.713092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing in prevalence worldwide. The paucity of available antifungal drug classes, combined with the increased occurrence of multidrug resistance in fungi, has led to new clinical challenges in the treatment of fungal infections. Candida auris is a recently emerged multidrug resistant human fungal pathogen that has become a worldwide public health threat. C. auris clinical isolates are often resistant to one or more antifungal drug classes, and thus, there is a high unmet medical need for the development of new therapeutic strategies effective against C. auris. Additionally, C. auris possesses several virulence traits, including the ability to form biofilms, further contributing to its drug resistance, and complicating the treatment of C. auris infections. Here we assessed red, green, and blue visible lights alone and in combination with photosensitizing compounds for their efficacies against C. auris biofilms. We found that (1) blue light inhibited and disrupted C. auris biofilms on its own and that the addition of photosensitizing compounds improved its antibiofilm potential; (2) red light inhibited and disrupted C. auris biofilms, but only in combination with photosensitizing compounds; and (3) green light inhibited C. auris biofilms in combination with photosensitizing compounds, but had no effects on disrupting C. auris biofilms. Taken together, our findings suggest that photodynamic therapy could be an effective non-drug therapeutic strategy against multidrug resistant C. auris biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka S Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States.,Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
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18
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Giacobbe DR, Magnasco L, Sepulcri C, Mikulska M, Koehler P, Cornely OA, Bassetti M. Recent advances and future perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of Candida auris infections. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1205-1220. [PMID: 34176393 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1949285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide. Some C. auris isolates may show concomitant resistance to azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes, thereby possibly leaving clinicians with few therapeutic options. AREAS COVERED Antifungal agents both in early and in late phases of clinical development showing anti-C. auris activity. EXPERT OPINION The research on antifungal agents active against C. auris has made important steps forward in recent years: (i) the development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action, such as ibrexafungerp and fosmanogepix, could provide a valid option against C. auris strains resistant to one or more older antifungals, including pan-resistant strains; (ii) rezafungin could allow once weekly administration of an active drug in the case of echinocandin-susceptible isolates, providing an effective outpatient treatment, while at the same time relieving selective pressure on novel classes; (iii) the development of oral formulations could allow step-down therapy and/or early discharge, or even to avoid hospitalization in mild or noninvasive diseases; (iv) according to available data, these novel agents show a good safety profile and a low potential for drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele R Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sepulcri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Chair Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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19
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Characterization of the Differential Pathogenicity of Candida auris in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0001321. [PMID: 34106570 PMCID: PMC8552516 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00013-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emergent multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen considered a severe global threat due to its capacity to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with high transmissibility and mortality. However, evidence on its pathogenicity and the complex host-pathogen interactions is still limited. This study used the in vivo invertebrate model in Galleria mellonella to assess its virulence, exploring the mortality kinetics, melanization response, and morphological changes after fungal infection compared to Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, with known high and low pathogenicity, respectively. All C. auris isolates presented less virulence than C. albicans strains but higher than that induced by C. parapsilosis isolates. Increased pathogenicity was observed in nonaggregative phenotypes of C. auris, while the melanization response of the larvae to fungal infection was homogeneous and independent of the causing species. C. auris was able to filament in the in vivo animal model G. mellonella, with aggregative and nonaggregative phenotypes presenting various pseudohyphal formation degrees as pathogenicity determinants in a strain-dependent manner. Histological invasiveness of C. auris mimicked that observed for C. albicans, with effective dissemination since the early stages of infection both in yeast and filamented forms, except for a remarkable respiratory tropism not previously observed in other yeasts. These characteristics widely differ between strains and advocate the hypothesis that the morphogenetic variability of C. auris is an indicator of its flexibility and adaptability, contributing to its emergence and rising worldwide prevalence. IMPORTANCECandida auris is an emergent fungus that has become a global threat due to its multidrug resistance, mortality, and transmissibility. These unique features make it different from other Candida species, but we still do not fully know the degree of virulence and, especially, the host-pathogen interactions. In this in vivo insect model, we found that it presents an intermediate degree of virulence compared to known high- and low-virulence Candida species but with significant variability between aggregative and nonaggregative strains. Although it was previously considered unable to filament, we documented in vivo filamentation as an important pathogenic determinant. We also found that it is able to disseminate early through the host, invading both the circulatory system and many different tissues with a remarkable respiratory tropism not previously described for other yeasts. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenicity of an emergent fungal pathogen and its interaction with the host and supports the hypothesis that its morphogenetic variability contributes to its rising global prevalence.
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20
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Ahmad S, Alfouzan W. Candida auris: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Infection Control Measures to Combat the Spread of Infections in Healthcare Facilities. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040807. [PMID: 33920482 PMCID: PMC8069182 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, a recently recognized, often multidrug-resistant yeast, has become a significant fungal pathogen due to its ability to cause invasive infections and outbreaks in healthcare facilities which have been difficult to control and treat. The extraordinary abilities of C. auris to easily contaminate the environment around colonized patients and persist for long periods have recently resulted in major outbreaks in many countries. C. auris resists elimination by robust cleaning and other decontamination procedures, likely due to the formation of 'dry' biofilms. Susceptible hospitalized patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities in intensive care settings, acquire C. auris rather easily from close contact with C. auris-infected patients, their environment, or the equipment used on colonized patients, often with fatal consequences. This review highlights the lessons learned from recent studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, susceptibility, and molecular basis of resistance to antifungal drugs and infection control measures to combat the spread of C. auris infections in healthcare facilities. Particular emphasis is given to interventions aiming to prevent new infections in healthcare facilities, including the screening of susceptible patients for colonization; the cleaning and decontamination of the environment, equipment, and colonized patients; and successful approaches to identify and treat infected patients, particularly during outbreaks.
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21
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Di Pilato V, Codda G, Ball L, Giacobbe DR, Willison E, Mikulska M, Magnasco L, Crea F, Vena A, Pelosi P, Bassetti M, Marchese A. Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of a Nosocomial Cluster of C. auris: Evidence of Recent Emergence in Italy and Ease of Transmission during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:140. [PMID: 33672021 PMCID: PMC7919374 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging MDR pathogen raising major concerns worldwide. In Italy, it was first and only identified in July 2019 in our hospital (San Martino Hospital, Genoa), where infection or colonization cases have been increasingly recognized during the following months. To gain insights into the introduction, transmission dynamics, and resistance traits of this fungal pathogen, consecutive C. auris isolates collected from July 2019 to May 2020 (n = 10) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and antifungal susceptibility testing (AST); patients' clinical and trace data were also collected. WGS resolved all isolates within the genetic clade I (South Asian) and showed that all but one were part of a cluster likely stemming from the index case. Phylogenetic molecular clock analyses predicted a recent introduction (May 2019) in the hospital setting and suggested that most transmissions were associated with a ward converted to a COVID-19-dedicated ICU during the pandemic. All isolates were resistant to amphotericin B, voriconazole, and fluconazole at high-level, owing to mutations in ERG11(K143R) and TACB1(A640V). Present data demonstrated that the introduction of MDR C. auris in Italy was a recent event and suggested that its spread could have been facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued efforts to implement stringent infection prevention and control strategies are warranted to limit the spread of this emerging pathogen within the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (P.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Giulia Codda
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (P.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Ball
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (P.P.); (A.M.)
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.R.G.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (A.V.); (M.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Edward Willison
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.W.); (F.C.)
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.R.G.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (A.V.); (M.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.R.G.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (A.V.); (M.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Crea
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.W.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonio Vena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.R.G.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (A.V.); (M.B.)
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (P.P.); (A.M.)
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.R.G.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (A.V.); (M.B.)
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (G.C.); (L.B.); (P.P.); (A.M.)
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital—IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.W.); (F.C.)
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22
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Emergent fungal pathogen C. auris is spreading in hospitals throughout the world and mortality rates for patients with invasive disease approach 60%. This species exhibits a heightened capacity to colonize skin, persist on hospital surfaces, rapidly disseminate in healthcare settings, and resist antifungal therapy. Recent Findings Current investigations show that C. auris produces biofilms, surface-adherent communities that resist antifungals and withstand desiccation. These biofilms form when C. auris is growing on skin or in conditions expected in the hospital environment and on implanted medical devices. Summary Here we will highlight the topic of biofilm formation by C. auris. We illustrate how this process influences resistance to antimicrobials and promotes nosocomial transmission.
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