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Dolan SK, Duong AT, Whiteley M. Convergent evolution in toxin detection and resistance provides evidence for conserved bacterial-fungal interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2304382121. [PMID: 39088389 PMCID: PMC11317636 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304382121] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbes rarely exist in isolation and instead form complex polymicrobial communities. As a result, microbes have developed intricate offensive and defensive strategies that enhance their fitness in these complex communities. Thus, identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling polymicrobial interactions is critical for understanding the function of microbial communities. In this study, we show that the gram-negative opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which frequently causes infection alongside a plethora of other microbes including fungi, encodes a genetic network which can detect and defend against gliotoxin, a potent, disulfide-containing antimicrobial produced by the ubiquitous filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that gliotoxin exposure disrupts P. aeruginosa zinc homeostasis, leading to transcriptional activation of a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized dithiol oxidase (herein named as DnoP), which detoxifies gliotoxin and structurally related toxins. Despite sharing little homology to the A. fumigatus gliotoxin resistance protein (GliT), the enzymatic mechanism of DnoP from P. aeruginosa appears to be identical that used by A. fumigatus. Thus, DnoP and its transcriptional induction by low zinc represent a rare example of both convergent evolution of toxin defense and environmental cue sensing across kingdoms. Collectively, these data provide compelling evidence that P. aeruginosa has evolved to survive exposure to an A. fumigatus disulfide-containing toxin in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Dolan
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, SC29634
- Emory-Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
| | - Ashley T. Duong
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
| | - Marvin Whiteley
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
- Emory-Children’s Cystic Fibrosis Center, Atlanta, GA30310
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30310
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2
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Melenotte C, Aimanianda V, Slavin M, Aguado JM, Armstrong-James D, Chen YC, Husain S, Van Delden C, Saliba F, Lefort A, Botterel F, Lortholary O. Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2023:e14049. [PMID: 36929539 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation is increasing worldwide with underlying pathologies dominated by metabolic and alcoholic diseases in developed countries. METHODS We provide a narrative review of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in liver transplant (LT) recipients. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for references without language and time restrictions. RESULTS The incidence of IA in LT recipients is low (1.8%), while mortality is high (∼50%). It occurs mainly early (<3 months) after LT. Some risk factors have been identified before (corticosteroid, renal, and liver failure), during (massive transfusion and duration of surgical procedure), and after transplantation (intensive care unit stay, re-transplantation, re-operation). Diagnosis can be difficult and therefore requires full radiological and clinicobiological collaboration. Accurate identification of Aspergillus species is recommended due to the cryptic species, and susceptibility testing is crucial given the increasing resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus to azoles. It is recommended to reduce the dose of tacrolimus (50%) and to closely monitor the trough level when introducing voriconazole, isavuconazole, and posaconazole. Surgery should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended in high-risk patients. Environmental preventative measures should be implemented to prevent outbreaks of nosocomial aspergillosis in LT recipient units. CONCLUSION IA remains a very serious disease in LT patients and should be promptly sought and, if possible, prevented by clinicians when risk factors are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cléa Melenotte
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France
| | - Monica Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Oncology, Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - José María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario "12 de Octubre", Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Yee-Chun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shahid Husain
- Department of Transplant Infectious Diseases, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Van Delden
- Transplant Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul Brousse, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Villejuif, France
| | - Agnès Lefort
- Université de Paris, IAME, UMR 1137, INSERM, Paris, France.,Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
| | - Francoise Botterel
- EA Dynamyc 7380 UPEC, ENVA, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France.,Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Département de Virologie, Bactériologie-Hygiène, Mycologie-Parasitologie, DHU VIC, CHU Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France.,Paris University, Necker-Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, Paris, France
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3
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Effect of Flagellin Pre-Exposure on the Inflammatory and Antifungal Response of Bronchial Epithelial Cells to Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121268. [PMID: 36547601 PMCID: PMC9782670 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121268] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) play a crucial role in innate immunity against inhaled fungi. Indeed, in response to microorganisms, BEC synthesize proinflammatory cytokines involved in the recruitment of neutrophils. We have recently shown that BEC exert antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus by inhibiting filament growth. In the present study, we first analyzed the inflammatory and antifungal responses of BEC infected by several fungal species such as Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium apiospermum and Candida albicans, which are frequently isolated from the sputum of people with chronic pulmonary diseases. The airways of these patients, such as people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), are mainly colonized by P. aeruginosa and secondary by fungal pathogens. We have previously demonstrated that BEC are capable of innate immune memory, allowing them to increase their inflammatory response against A. fumigatus following a previous contact with Pseudomonas aeruginosa flagellin. To identify the impact of bacteria exposure on BEC responses to other fungal infections, we extended the analysis of BEC innate immune memory to Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium apiospermum and Candida albicans infection. Our results show that BEC are able to recognize and respond to Aspergillus spp., S. apiospermum and C. albicans infection and that the modulation of BEC responses by pre-exposure to flagellin varies according to the fungal species encountered. Deepening our knowledge of the innate immune memory of BEC should open new therapeutic avenues to modulate the inflammatory response against polymicrobial infections observed in chronic pulmonary diseases such as CF.
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Wu DM, He M, Zhao YY, Deng SH, Liu T, Zhang T, Zhang F, Wang YY, Xu Y. Increased susceptibility of irradiated mice to Aspergillus fumigatus infection via NLRP3/GSDMD pathway in pulmonary bronchial epithelia. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:98. [PMID: 35761358 PMCID: PMC9238178 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00907-2] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus infection is difficult to diagnose clinically and can develop into invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, which has a high fatality rate. The incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus infection has increased die to widespread application of radiotherapy technology. However, knowledge regarding A. fumigatus infection following radiation exposure is limited, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model to explore the effect of radiation on A. fumigatus infection and the associated mechanisms. Methods In this study, a mouse model of A. fumigatus infection after radiation was established by irradiating with 5 Gy on the chest and instilling 5 × 107/ml Aspergillus fumigatus conidia into trachea after 24 h to explore the effect and study its function and mechanism. Mice were compared among the following groups: normal controls (CON), radiation only (RA), infection only (Af), and radiation + infection (RA + Af). Staining analyses were used to detect infection and damage in lung tissues. Changes in protein and mRNA levels of pyroptosis-related molecules were assessed by western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Protein concentrations in the serum and alveolar lavage fluid were also measured. An immunofluorescence colocalization analysis was performed to confirm that NLRP3 inflammasomes activated pyroptosis. Results Radiation destroyed the pulmonary epithelial barrier and significantly increased the pulmonary fungal burden of A. fumigatus. The active end of caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) were highly expressed even after infection. Release of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) provided further evidence of pyroptosis. NLRP3 knockout inhibited pyroptosis, which effectively attenuated damage to the pulmonary epithelial barrier and reduced the burden of A. fumigatus. Conclusions Our findings indicated that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes following radiation exposure increased susceptibility to A. fumigatus infection. Due to pyroptosis in lung epithelial cells, it resulted in the destruction of the lung epithelial barrier and further damage to lung tissue. Moreover, we found that NLRP3 knockout effectively inhibited the pyroptosis and reducing susceptibility to A. fumigatus infection and further lung damage. Overall, our results suggest that NLRP3/GSDMD pathway mediated-pyroptosis in the lungs may be a key event in this process and provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of infection. Video abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00907-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ming Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Hua Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yi Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Margalit A, Sheehan D, Carolan JC, Kavanagh K. Exposure to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretome alters the proteome and secondary metabolite production of Aspergillus fumigatus. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168:001164. [PMID: 35333152 PMCID: PMC9558348 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is frequently cultured from the sputum of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients along with the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A. fumigatus secretes a range of secondary metabolites, and one of these, gliotoxin, has inhibitory effects on the host immune response. The effect of P. aeruginosa culture filtrate (CuF) on fungal growth and gliotoxin production was investigated. Exposure of A. fumigatus hyphae to P. aeruginosa cells induced increased production of gliotoxin and a decrease in fungal growth. In contrast, exposure of A. fumigatus hyphae to P. aeruginosa CuF led to increased growth and decreased gliotoxin production. Quantitative proteomic analysis was used to characterize the proteomic response of A. fumigatus upon exposure to P. aeruginosa CuF. Changes in the profile of proteins involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis (e.g. gliotoxin, fumagillin, pseurotin A), and changes to the abundance of proteins involved in oxidative stress (e.g. formate dehydrogenase) and detoxification (e.g. thioredoxin reductase) were observed, indicating that the bacterial secretome had a profound effect on the fungal proteome. Alterations in the abundance of proteins involved in detoxification and oxidative stress highlight the ability of A. fumigatus to differentially regulate protein synthesis in response to environmental stresses imposed by competitors such as P. aeruginosa. Such responses may ultimately have serious detrimental effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatte Margalit
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - David Sheehan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - James C. Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
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6
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Faulkner AL, Grayling M, Shillitoe B, Brodlie M, Michaelis LJ. Characterising the allergic profile of children with cystic fibrosis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:60-69. [PMID: 34570951 PMCID: PMC8669696 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects multiple organ systems. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a well-recognised problem but other allergic conditions are less well documented in CF. OBJECTIVE To characterise the allergic profile of a cohort of children with CF, with a focus on those with ABPA. METHODS A cohort of children with CF were interviewed and retrospective data were collected regarding their allergic histories and other relevant clinical features. RESULTS The cohort included 37 children with median age of 9 years (interquartile range: 6-12). There was a history of ≥1 allergic condition(s) in 28/37 children (76%). The most common allergic condition was allergic rhinitis (AR) in 21/37 (57%) and 16 of these 21 children (76%) had another allergic condition. All children with ABPA (8) had another allergic condition. In some children ABPA exacerbations appeared to be seasonal, suggesting possible cross-sensitisation between Aspergillus fumigatus and aeroallergens associated with seasonal AR. Allergic conditions were also common in children with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Faulkner
- Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Michael Grayling
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Benjamin Shillitoe
- Department of Immunology, Allergy, and Infectious Diseases, Great North Children's HospitalNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Malcolm Brodlie
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Great North Children's HospitalNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Louise J. Michaelis
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical SciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Department of Immunology, Allergy, and Infectious Diseases, Great North Children's HospitalNewcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustNewcastle upon TyneUK
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7
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Reece E, Bettio PHDA, Renwick J. Polymicrobial Interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome Impact the Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070827. [PMID: 34356747 PMCID: PMC8300716 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most dominant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease and contributes to significant inflammation, airway damage, and poorer disease outcomes. The CF airway is now known to be host to a complex community of microorganisms, and polymicrobial interactions have been shown to play an important role in shaping P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and resistance. P. aeruginosa can cause chronic infections that once established are almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics. CF patients that develop chronic P. aeruginosa infection have poorer lung function, higher morbidity, and a reduced life expectancy. P. aeruginosa adapts to the CF airway and quickly develops resistance to several antibiotics. A perplexing phenomenon is the disparity between in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity testing and clinical response. Considering the CF airway is host to a diverse community of microorganisms or 'microbiome' and that these microorganisms are known to interact, the antimicrobial resistance and progression of P. aeruginosa infection is likely influenced by these microbial relationships. This review combines the literature to date on interactions between P. aeruginosa and other airway microorganisms and the influence of these interactions on P. aeruginosa tolerance to antimicrobials.
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8
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Hughes DA, Archangelidi O, Coates M, Armstrong-James D, Elborn SJ, Carr SB, Davies JC. Clinical characteristics of Pseudomonas and Aspergillus co-infected cystic fibrosis patients: A UK registry study. J Cyst Fibros 2021; 21:129-135. [PMID: 33958279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and Aspergillus species (Asp) are the most common bacterial and fungal organisms respectively in CF airways. Our aim was to examine impacts of Asp infection and Pa/Asp co-infection. METHODS Patients on the UK CF Registry in 2016 were grouped into: absent (Pa-), intermittent (Pai) or chronic Pa (Pac), each with Asp positive (Asp+) or negative (Asp-). Primary outcome was best percentage predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) that year. Secondary outcomes were intravenous (IV) antibiotic courses, growth (height, weight, BMI) and additional disease complications. Associations between outcomes and infection-status were assessed using regression models adjusting for significant confounders (age, sex, Phe508del homozygosity and CF-related diabetes (CFRD)). RESULTS 9,270 patients were included (median age 19 [IQR 9-30] years, 54% male, 50% Phe508del/F508del). 4,142 patients (45%) isolated Pa, 1,460 (16%) Asp. Pa-/Asp+ subjects had an adjusted ppFEV1 that was 5.9% lower than Pa-/Asp- (p < 0.0001). In patients with Pai or Pac, there was no additional impact of Asp on ppFEV1. However, there was a higher probability that Pac/Asp+ patients had required IV antibiotics than Pac/Asp- group (OR 1.23 [1.03-1.48]). Low BMI, ABPA, CF-liver disease and CFRD were all more frequent with Asp alone than Pa-/Asp-, though not more common in Pac/Asp+ than Pac/Asp-. CONCLUSIONS Co-infection with Pa and Asp was not associated with reduced lung function compared with Pa alone, but was associated with additional use of IV antibiotics. Asp infection itself is associated with several important indicators of disease severity. Longitudinal analyses should explore the impact of co-infection on disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic A Hughes
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK; Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK.
| | | | - Matthew Coates
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Darius Armstrong-James
- Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Siobhán B Carr
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK; Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Jane C Davies
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK; Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK
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9
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Nazik H, Sass G, Williams P, Déziel E, Stevens DA. Molecular Modifications of the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal in the Intermicrobial Competition with Aspergillus. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7050343. [PMID: 33925067 PMCID: PMC8146305 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) is an important quorum-sensing molecule for Pseudomonas aeruginosa that regulates virulence factors, chelates iron, and is an important factor in interactions with eukaryotes, including fungi and mammalian hosts. It was previously shown to inhibit or boost Aspergillus, depending on the milieu iron concentration. We studied several molecular modifications of the PQS molecule, and their effects on Aspergillus biofilm metabolism and growth in vitro, and the effects of iron supplementation. We found that most molecules inhibited Aspergillus at concentrations similar to that of PQS, but with relatively flat dose-responses, and all were less potent than PQS. The inhibition was reversible by iron, suggesting interference with fungal iron metabolism. Stimulation of Aspergillus was not noted. We conclude that the critical Aspergillus-inhibiting moeities of the PQS molecule were partially, but not completely, interfered with by molecular modifications at several sites on the PQS molecule. The mechanism, as with PQS, appears to relate to fungal iron metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Nazik
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriele Sass
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Paul Williams
- Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Eric Déziel
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada;
| | - David A. Stevens
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-408-998-4554
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10
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Nazik H, Kotta-Loizou I, Sass G, Coutts RHA, Stevens DA. Virus Infection of Aspergillus fumigatus Compromises the Fungus in Intermicrobial Competition. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040686. [PMID: 33923408 PMCID: PMC8073786 DOI: 10.3390/v13040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus and Pseudomonas compete in nature, and are the commonest bacterial and fungal pathogens in some clinical settings, such as the cystic fibrosis lung. Virus infections of fungi occur naturally. Effects on fungal physiology need delineation. A common reference Aspergillus fumigatus strain, long studied in two (of many) laboratories, was found infected with the AfuPmV-1 virus. One isolate was cured of virus, producing a virus-free strain. Virus from the infected strain was purified and used to re-infect three subcultures of the virus-free fungus, producing six fungal strains, otherwise isogenic. They were studied in intermicrobial competition with Pseudomonasaeruginosa. Pseudomonas culture filtrates inhibited forming or preformed Aspergillus biofilm from infected strains to a greater extent, also seen when Pseudomonas volatiles were assayed on Aspergillus. Purified iron-chelating Pseudomonas molecules, known inhibitors of Aspergillus biofilm, reproduced these differences. Iron, a stimulus of Aspergillus, enhanced the virus-free fungus, compared to infected. All infected fungal strains behaved similarly in assays. We show an important consequence of virus infection, a weakening in intermicrobial competition. Viral infection may affect the outcome of bacterial–fungal competition in nature and patients. We suggest that this occurs via alteration in fungal stress responses, the mechanism best delineated here is a result of virus-induced altered Aspergillus iron metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Nazik
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Gabriele Sass
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
| | - Robert H. A. Coutts
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK;
| | - David A. Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, 2260 Clove Dr., San Jose, CA 95128, USA; (H.N.); (G.S.)
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95128, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-408-998-4554
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11
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Margalit A, Carolan JC, Kavanagh K. Bacterial Interactions with Aspergillus fumigatus in the Immunocompromised Lung. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020435. [PMID: 33669831 PMCID: PMC7923216 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunocompromised airways are susceptible to infections caused by a range of pathogens which increases the opportunity for polymicrobial interactions to occur. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are the predominant causes of pulmonary infection for individuals with respiratory disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The spore-forming fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is most frequently isolated with P. aeruginosa, and co-infection results in poor outcomes for patients. It is therefore clinically important to understand how these pathogens interact with each other and how such interactions may contribute to disease progression so that appropriate therapeutic strategies may be developed. Despite its persistence in the airways throughout the life of a patient, A. fumigatus rarely becomes the dominant pathogen. In vitro interaction studies have revealed remarkable insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive agonistic and antagonistic interactions that occur between A. fumigatus and pulmonary bacterial pathogens such as P. aeruginosa. Crucially, these studies demonstrate that although bacteria may predominate in a competitive environment, A. fumigatus has the capacity to persist and contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-708-3859; Fax: +353-1-708-3845
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12
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Keown K, Reid A, Moore JE, Taggart CC, Downey DG. Coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/158/200011. [PMID: 33208485 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0011-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by mucus stasis, chronic infection and inflammation, causing progressive structural lung disease and eventual respiratory failure. CF airways are inhabited by an ecologically diverse polymicrobial environment with vast potential for interspecies interactions, which may be a contributing factor to disease progression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the most common bacterial and fungal species present in CF airways respectively and coinfection results in a worse disease phenotype. METHODS In this review we examine existing expert knowledge of chronic co-infection with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in CF patients. We summarise the mechanisms of interaction and evaluate the clinical and inflammatory impacts of this co-infection. RESULTS P. aeruginosa inhibits A. fumigatus through multiple mechanisms: phenazine secretion, iron competition, quorum sensing and through diffusible small molecules. A. fumigatus reciprocates inhibition through gliotoxin release and phenotypic adaptations enabling evasion of P. aeruginosa inhibition. Volatile organic compounds secreted by P. aeruginosa stimulate A. fumigatus growth, while A. fumigatus stimulates P. aeruginosa production of cytotoxic elastase. CONCLUSION A complex bi-directional relationship exists between P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus, exhibiting both mutually antagonistic and cooperative facets. Cross-sectional data indicate a worsened disease state in coinfected patients; however, robust longitudinal studies are required to derive causality and to determine whether interspecies interaction contributes to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Keown
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.,Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alastair Reid
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - John E Moore
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Dept of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Clifford C Taggart
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Damian G Downey
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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13
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Steffan BN, Venkatesh N, Keller NP. Let's Get Physical: Bacterial-Fungal Interactions and Their Consequences in Agriculture and Health. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E243. [PMID: 33114069 PMCID: PMC7712096 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi serve as a biological scaffold for bacterial attachment. In some specialized interactions, the bacteria will invade the fungal host, which in turn provides protection and nutrients for the bacteria. Mechanisms of the physical interactions between fungi and bacteria have been studied in both clinical and agricultural settings, as discussed in this review. Fungi and bacteria that are a part of these dynamic interactions can have altered growth and development as well as changes in microbial fitness as it pertains to antibiotic resistance, nutrient acquisition, and microbial dispersal. Consequences of these interactions are not just limited to the respective microorganisms, but also have major impacts in the health of humans and plants alike. Examining the mechanisms behind the physical interactions of fungi and bacteria will provide us with an understanding of multi-kingdom community processes and allow for the development of therapeutic approaches for disease in both ecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne N. Steffan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.N.S.); (N.V.)
| | - Nandhitha Venkatesh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.N.S.); (N.V.)
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (B.N.S.); (N.V.)
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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14
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Xu J, Xiao W, Liang X, Zhang P, Shi L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Yang H. The Association of Cerebrovascular Disease with Adverse Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis Based on Adjusted Effect Estimates. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105283. [PMID: 33066922 PMCID: PMC7455117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to address the association between cerebrovascular disease and adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients by using a quantitative meta-analysis based on adjusted effect estimates. Method A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE up to August 10th, 2020. The adjusted effect estimates were extracted and pooled to evaluate the risk of the unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cerebrovascular disease. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were also carried out. Results There were 12 studies with 10,304 patients included in our meta-analysis. A significant trend was observed when evaluating the association between cerebrovascular disease and adverse outcomes (pooled effect = 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–3.16). In addition, the pooled effects showed that patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease had more likelihood to progress fatal outcomes than patients without a history of cerebrovascular disease (pooled effect = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04–3.07). Conclusion This study for the first time indicated that cerebrovascular disease was an independent risk factor for predicting the adverse outcomes, particularly fatal outcomes, in COVID-19 patients on the basis of adjusted effect estimates. Well-designed studies with larger sample size are needed for further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenwei Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Peihua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou 450016, China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 of Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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15
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Beswick E, Amich J, Gago S. Factoring in the Complexity of the Cystic Fibrosis Lung to Understand Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Interactions. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080639. [PMID: 32781694 PMCID: PMC7460534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has long been established as the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, with opportunistic infection causing profound morbidity and mortality. Recently, Aspergillus fumigatus has also been recognised as a key contributor to CF lung deterioration, being consistently associated with decreased lung function and worsened prognosis in these patients. As clinical evidence for the common occurrence of combined infection with these two pathogens increases, research into the mechanism and consequences of their interaction is becoming more relevant. Clinical evidence suggests a synergistic effect of combined infection, which translates into a poorer prognosis for the patients. In vitro results from the laboratory have identified a variety of possible synergistic and antagonistic interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the complex environment of the CF lung and discuss how it needs to be considered to determine the exact molecular interactions that A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa undergo during combined infection and their effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Academic Unit of Medical Education, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2TG, UK;
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
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16
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Margalit A, Carolan JC, Sheehan D, Kavanagh K. The Aspergillus fumigatus Secretome Alters the Proteome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Stimulate Bacterial Growth: Implications for Co-infection. Mol Cell Proteomics 2020; 19:1346-1359. [PMID: 32447284 PMCID: PMC8015003 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra120.002059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with cystic fibrosis are susceptible to co-infection by Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Despite the persistence of A. fumigatus in the cystic fibrosis lung P. aeruginosa eventually predominates as the primary pathogen. Several factors are likely to facilitate P. aeruginosa colonization in the airways, including alterations to the microbial environment. The cystic fibrosis airways are hypoxic, nitrate-rich environments, and the sputum has higher amino acid concentrations than normal. In this study, significant growth proliferation was observed in P. aeruginosa when the bacteria were exposed to A. fumigatus culture filtrates (CuF) containing a high nitrate content. Proteomic analysis of the A. fumigatus CuF identified a significant number of environment-altering proteases and peptidases. The molecular mechanisms promoting bacterial growth were investigated using label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics to compare the proteome of P. aeruginosa grown in the A. fumigatus CuF and in CuF produced by a P. aeruginosa-A. fumigatus co-culture, to that cultured in P. aeruginosa CuF. LFQ proteomics revealed distinct changes in the proteome of P. aeruginosa when cultured in the different CuFs, including increases in the levels of proteins involved in denitrification, stress response, replication, amino acid metabolism and efflux pumps, and a down-regulation of pathways involving ABC transporters. These findings offer novel insights into the complex dynamics that exist between P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus Understanding the molecular strategies that enable P. aeruginosa to predominate in an environment where A. fumigatus exists is important in the context of therapeutic development to target this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatte Margalit
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - James C Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - David Sheehan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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17
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Bigot J, Guillot L, Guitard J, Ruffin M, Corvol H, Balloy V, Hennequin C. Bronchial Epithelial Cells on the Front Line to Fight Lung Infection-Causing Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1041. [PMID: 32528481 PMCID: PMC7257779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that can be pathogenic for humans, wherein it is responsible for a large variety of clinical forms ranging from allergic diseases to life-threatening disseminated infections. The contamination occurs by inhalation of conidia present in the air, and the first encounter of this fungus in the human host is most likely with the bronchial epithelial cells. Although alveolar macrophages have been widely studied in the Aspergillus–lung interaction, increasing evidence suggests that bronchial epithelium plays a key role in responding to the fungus. This review focuses on the innate immune response of the bronchial epithelial cells against A. fumigatus, the predominant pathogenic species. We have also detailed the molecular interactants and the effects of the different modes of interaction between these cells and the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Manon Ruffin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, Service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
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18
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A Peculiar Case of Pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a Child with Cystic Fibrosis and Sensibilization to Aspergillus fumigatus. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010015. [PMID: 31877884 PMCID: PMC7168586 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus plays a major role in pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis. The most common A. fumigatus diseases are those based on immune-mediated response to A. fumigatus antigens; including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). In this condition; the presence of A. fumigatus in the lower respiratory tract triggers an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity response that causes airway inflammation; bronchospasms; and bronchiectasis. This case report describes a ten-year-old male patient suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) in whom the diagnosis of ABPA occurred in association with pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae more than two weeks after hospitalization. This case is a good example of how difficult the identification of ABPA in CF patients can be and highlights that ABPA can occur in association with co-infections due to other pathogens. In order to avoid the risk of a late ABPA diagnosis, it is imperative that the diagnostic criteria guidelines are reviewed and standardized.
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19
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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20
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Velino C, Carella F, Adamiano A, Sanguinetti M, Vitali A, Catalucci D, Bugli F, Iafisco M. Nanomedicine Approaches for the Pulmonary Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:406. [PMID: 31921811 PMCID: PMC6927921 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting today nearly 70,000 patients worldwide and characterized by a hypersecretion of thick mucus difficult to clear arising from the defective CFTR protein. The over-production of the mucus secreted in the lungs, along with its altered composition and consistency, results in airway obstruction that makes the lungs susceptible to recurrent and persistent bacterial infections and endobronchial chronic inflammation, which are considered the primary cause of bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, and consequent death of patients. Despite the difficulty of treating the continuous infections caused by pathogens in CF patients, various strategies focused on the symptomatic therapy have been developed during the last few decades, showing significant positive impact on prognosis. Moreover, nowadays, the discovery of CFTR modulators as well as the development of gene therapy have provided new opportunity to treat CF. However, the lack of effective methods for delivery and especially targeted delivery of therapeutics specifically to lung tissues and cells limits the efficiency of the treatments. Nanomedicine represents an extraordinary opportunity for the improvement of current therapies and for the development of innovative treatment options for CF previously considered hard or impossible to treat. Due to the peculiar environment in which the therapies have to operate characterized by several biological barriers (pulmonary tract, mucus, epithelia, bacterial biofilm) the use of nanotechnologies to improve and enhance drug delivery or gene therapies is an extremely promising way to be pursued. The aim of this review is to revise the currently used treatments and to outline the most recent progresses about the use of nanotechnology for the management of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Velino
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Carella
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Alessio Adamiano
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Institute for the Chemistry of Molecular Recognition (ICRM), National Research Council (CNR), c/o Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Catalucci
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB) - UOS Milan, National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Bugli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Iafisco
- Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (ISTEC), National Research Council (CNR), Faenza, Italy
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21
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Scott J, Sueiro-Olivares M, Ahmed W, Heddergott C, Zhao C, Thomas R, Bromley M, Latgé JP, Krappmann S, Fowler S, Bignell E, Amich J. Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Derived Volatile Sulfur Compounds Promote Distal Aspergillus fumigatus Growth and a Synergistic Pathogen-Pathogen Interaction That Increases Pathogenicity in Co-infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2311. [PMID: 31649650 PMCID: PMC6794476 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen-pathogen interactions in polymicrobial infections are known to directly impact, often to worsen, disease outcomes. For example, co-infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively the most common bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, leads to a worsened prognosis. Recent studies of in vitro microbial cross-talk demonstrated that P. aeruginosa-derived volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) can promote A. fumigatus growth in vitro. However, the mechanistic basis of such cross-talk and its physiological relevance during co-infection remains unknown. In this study we combine genetic approaches and GC-MS-mediated volatile analysis to show that A. fumigatus assimilates VSCs via cysteine (CysB)- or homocysteine (CysD)-synthase. This process is essential for utilization of VSCs as sulfur sources, since P. aeruginosa-derived VSCs trigger growth of A. fumigatus wild-type, but not of a ΔcysBΔcysD mutant, on sulfur-limiting media. P. aeruginosa produces VSCs when infecting Galleria mellonella and co-infection with A. fumigatus in this model results in a synergistic increase in mortality and of fungal and bacterial burdens. Interestingly, the increment in mortality is much greater with the A. fumigatus wild-type than with the ΔcysBΔcysD mutant. Therefore, A. fumigatus' ability to assimilate P. aeruginosa derived VSCs significantly triggers a synergistic association that increases the pathobiology of infection. Finally, we show that P. aeruginosa can promote fungal growth when growing on substrates that resemble the lung environment, which suggests that this volatile based synergism is likely to occur during co-infection of the human respiratory airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Sueiro-Olivares
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Waqar Ahmed
- Respiratory and Allergy Research Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Can Zhao
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Riba Thomas
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Respiratory and Allergy Research Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre - Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Molecular Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Respiratory Samples of Cystic Fibrosis Patients from a Children Referral Hospital in Tehran. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.64834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Harun SN, Holford NHG, Grimwood K, Wainwright CE, Hennig S. Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradication therapy and risk of acquiring Aspergillus in young children with cystic fibrosis. Thorax 2019; 74:740-748. [DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-211548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundWhile Aspergillus detection rates in adults, adolescents and older children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have increased, the risk of acquiring this fungal pathogen in young children is unknown.AimTo determine the risk and explanatory factors of acquiring Aspergillus in children with CF by age 5 years.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of clinical, bronchoalveolar lavage and treatment data from the Australasian Cystic Fibrosis Bronchoalveolar Lavage study was used to identify predictive factors for detecting Aspergillus at age 5 years. A parametric repeated time-to-event model quantitatively described the risk and factors associated with acquiring Aspergillus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from birth until age 5 years.ResultsCross-sectional analysis found that the number of P. aeruginosa eradication courses increased the odds of detecting Aspergillus at age 5 years (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.12). The median (IQR) age for the first P. aeruginosa positive culture was 2.38 (1.32–3.79) years and 3.69 (1.68–4.74) years for the first Aspergillus positive culture. The risk of P. aeruginosa and Aspergillus events changes with time after the first year of study entry. It also decreases for P. aeruginosa after completing P. aeruginosa eradication (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.79), but increases for Aspergillus events (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.41). The risk of acquiring both types of events increases after having had a previous event.ConclusionIn young children with CF, completing P. aeruginosa eradication therapy and previous Aspergillus events are associated with increased risk of acquiring Aspergillus.
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24
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A real world evaluation of the long-term efficacy of strategies to prevent chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection in children with cystic fibrosis. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 85:92-97. [PMID: 31132474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection. Early eradication of PA has proven short-term efficacy. No studies have evaluated the long- term impact of early eradication for CF patients, particularly those diagnosed by newborn screening (NBS). Our objective was to quantify the long-term impact of early PA eradication on the risk of chronic PA infection in children (0-18 years old) with CF prior to and following the introduction of a province-wide NBS program. METHODS This 20-year retrospective cohort study compared 94 patients eligible for treatment with inhaled tobramycin at first PA isolation ("recent cohort") with 27 historical controls ("historical cohort"). RESULTS A smaller proportion of patients in the recent cohort developed chronic PA (24% versus 78%; P<0.001); the adjusted risk of chronic infection was 2.90 (95%CI 1.47, 5.76; P=0.002) in the historical vs recent cohort. However, NBS was not independently associated with the risk of chronic PA infection after its introduction. CONCLUSIONS Early eradication of PA, irrespective of early diagnosis, is associated with reduced risk of chronic PA. However, concomitant improvements in medical care since the introduction of early eradication protocols may have contributed to these long-term observed benefits.
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Nasri E, Fakhim H, Vaezi A, Khalilzadeh S, Ahangarkani F, Laal Kargar M, Abtahian Z, Badali H. Airway colonisation by Candida and Aspergillus species in Iranian cystic fibrosis patients. Mycoses 2019; 62:434-440. [PMID: 30681747 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality due to fungal and bacterial colonisation of the airways or respiratory infections. The prevalence of fungi in Iranian CF population has been underestimated. Therefore, the current study was conducted to define the frequency of fungi in respiratory specimens obtained from Iranian CF patients based on conventional and molecular assays. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed on the obtained isolates according to the guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. A cohort of 42 CF patients, including 29 males and 13 females, were categorised according to the referenced diagnostic criteria. Candida albicans (n = 24, 80%), C. dubliniensis (n = 2, 6.6%), C. parapsilosis (n = 2, 6.6%), C. tropicalis (n = 1, 3.3%), C. glabrata (n = 1, 3.3%) and Meyerozyma caribbica (n = 1, 3.3%) were isolated from 73.8% of the CF patients. Aspergillus terreus (n = 3, 42.8%) was identified as the most common Aspergillus species, followed by A. fumigatus (n = 2, 28.5%), A. oryzae (n = 1, 14.2%) and A. flavus (n = 1, 14.2%). Bacterial and fungal co-colonisation was detected in 7 (16.6%) and 22 (52.3%) samples that were positive for Aspergillus and Candida species, respectively. However, Scedosporium species and Exophiala dermatitidis never were detected. In terms of geometric mean (GM) minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), posaconazole (0.018 μg/mL) and caspofungin (0.083 μg/mL) exhibited the highest antifungal activities against all Candida species. In addition, posaconazole exhibited the lowest MIC range (0.008-0.063 μg/mL) against all Aspergillus species, followed by caspofungin (0.016-0.125 μg/mL) and voriconazole (0.125-0.25 μg/mL). To conclude, it is essential to adopt a consistent method for the implementation of primary diagnosis and determination of treatment regimen for the CF patients. However, further studies are still needed to better define the epidemiology of fungal organisms in CF patients from the Middle East and the clinical significance of their isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Nasri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Fakhim
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Afsane Vaezi
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Soheila Khalilzadeh
- Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahangarkani
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Melika Laal Kargar
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Abtahian
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Zhao J, Yu W. Interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5931. [PMID: 30430043 PMCID: PMC6231424 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease characterized by chronic airway infection with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are pathogens commonly found in CF patients. Clinically, these two microorganisms often coexist in the airway of CF patients. Combined infection with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus results in worsening lung function and clinical condition. Methods In this review, we focus on the mutual inhibition and promotion mechanisms of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in CF patients. We also summarized the mechanisms of the interaction between these pathogenic microorganisms. Results P. aeruginosa inhibits A. fumigatus growth through the effects of phenazines, the quorum sensing system, iron competition, bacteriophages, and small colony variants. P. aeruginosa induces A. fumigatus growth through volatile organic compounds and subbacteriostatic concentrations of phenazines. A. fumigatus interferes with P. aeruginosa, affecting its metabolic growth via phenazine metabolic transformation, gliotoxin production, and reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Discussion Coexistence of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus can lead to both mutual inhibition and promotion. In different stages of CF disease, the interaction between these two pathogenic microorganisms may shift between promotion and inhibition. A discussion of the mechanisms of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus interaction can be beneficial for further treatment of CF patients and for improving the prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingming Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Wencheng Yu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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