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Pereira CM, Bautz KR, Rodríguez MDCH, Saavedra-Tobar LM, Kapeua-Ndacnou M, Belachew-Bekele K, Elliot SL, Evans HC, Barreto RW. Cordyceps cateniannulata: An endophyte of coffee, a parasite of coffee leaf rust and a pathogen of coffee pests. Fungal Biol 2024; 128:1917-1932. [PMID: 39059847 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2024.05.004] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Here, we report on a Cordyceps species entering into a multi-trophic, multi-kingdom association. Cordyceps cateniannulata, isolated from the stem of wild Coffea arabica in Ethiopia, is shown to function as an endophyte, a mycoparasite and an entomopathogen. A detailed polyphasic taxonomic study, including a multilocus phylogenetic analysis, confirmed its identity. An emended description of C. cateniannulata is provided herein. Previously, this species was known as a pathogen of various insect hosts in both the Old and New World. The endophytic status of C. cateniannulata was confirmed by re-isolating it from inoculated coffee plants. Inoculation studies have further shown that C. cateniannulata is a mycoparasite of Hemileia vastatrix, as well as an entomopathogen of major coffee pests; infecting and killing Hypothenemus hampei and Leucoptera coffeella. This is the first record of C. cateniannulata from Africa, as well as an endophyte and a mycoparasite. The implications for its use as a biocontrol agent are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio M Pereira
- Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Keminy R Bautz
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | | | - Laura M Saavedra-Tobar
- Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Miraine Kapeua-Ndacnou
- Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil; Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Regional Biocontrol and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, PO Box 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Simon L Elliot
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Harry C Evans
- Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil; CAB International, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9TY, UK
| | - Robert W Barreto
- Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
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2
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Ramos LS, Fernandes MF, Santos HLC, Picão RC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Candida spp. isolated from recreational coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro - Brazil: Focus on antifungal resistance and virulence attributes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174662. [PMID: 38997029 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The use of recreational waters is a widespread activity worldwide, and one of the risks associated with this practice is the exposure of bathers to microorganisms that may arise due to pollution caused by inadequate infrastructure and sanitation. In the present work, we isolated Candida spp. (n = 24) from five recreational beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to evaluate their susceptibility to antifungals, the production of virulence attributes and the in vivo virulence using Tenebrio molitor larvae as a model. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 gene sequencing identified thirteen isolates (54.1 %) as C. tropicalis, seven (29.1 %) as C. krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), one (4.2 %) as C. rugosa (Diutina rugosa), one (4.2 %) as C. mesorugosa (Diutina mesorugosa), one (4.2 %) as C. utilis (Cyberlindnera jadinii) and one (4.2 %) as C. parapsilosis. C. tropicalis isolates showed resistance to azoles and susceptibility to amphotericin B, flucytosine and caspofungin. C. krusei isolates were resistant to fluconazole, caspofungin and itraconazole, with 42.8 % resistance to flucytosine, besides susceptibility to voriconazole and amphotericin B. The remaining species were susceptible to all tested antifungals. All Candida isolates adhered to abiotic surfaces and formed biofilm on polystyrene, albeit to varying degrees, and produced aspartic protease and hemolytic activity, which are considered fungal virulence attributes. C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. utilis isolates produced phytase, while the only esterase producer was C. tropicalis. Regarding resistance to osmotic stress, all isolates of C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. mesorugosa grew up to 7.5 % NaCl; the remaining isolates grew up to 1.87-3.75 % NaCl. The mortality caused by fungal challenges in T. molitor larvae was variable, with C. tropicalis, C. utilis and C. parapsilosis being more virulent than C. krusei and C. rugosa complex. Collectively, the presence of these yeasts, particularly the virulent and resistant isolates, in recreational waters can pose a significant health risk to bathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana F Fernandes
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Helena L C Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata C Picão
- Laboratório de Investigação em Microbiologia Médica, Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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3
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Dornelas JCM, Paixão VM, Carmo PHF, Costa MC, Gomes ECQ, de Resende-Stoianoff MA, Santos DA. Influence of the agrochemical benomyl on Cryptococcus gattii-plant interaction in vitro and in vivo. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01440-9. [PMID: 38963475 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01440-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii, an environmental fungus, is one of the agents of cryptococcosis. The influence of agrochemicals on fungal resistance to antifungals is widely discussed. However, the effects of benomyl (BEN) on fungal interaction with different hosts is still to be understood. Here we studied the influence of adaptation to BEN in the interaction with a plant model, phagocytes and with Tenebrio molitor. First, the strain C. gattii L24/01 non-adapted (NA), adapted (A) to BEN, and adapted with further culture on drug-free media (10p) interact with Nicotiana benthamiana, with a peak in the yeast burden on the 7th day post-inoculation. C. gattii L24/01 A and 10p provided lower fungal burden, but these strains increased cell diameter and capsular thickness after the interaction, together with decreased fungal growth. The strains NA and A showed reduced ergosterol levels, while 10p exhibited increased activity of laccase and urease. L24/01 A recovered from N. benthamiana was less engulfed by murine macrophages, with lower production of reactive oxygen species. This phenotype was accompanied by increased ability of this strain to grow inside macrophages. Otherwise, L24/01 A showed reduced virulence in the T. molitor larvae model. Here, we demonstrate that the exposure to BEN, and interaction with plants interfere in the morphophysiology and virulence of the C. gattii.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C M Dornelas
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Vivian M Paixão
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paulo H F Carmo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marliete C Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Eldon C Q Gomes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida de Resende-Stoianoff
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP: 31270-901, Brazil.
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Frota HF, Lorentino CMA, Barbosa PF, Ramos LS, Barcellos IC, Giovanini L, Souza LOP, Oliveira SSC, Abosede OO, Ogunlaja AS, Pereira MM, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Antifungal potential of the new copper(II)-theophylline/1,10-phenanthroline complex against drug-resistant Candida species. Biometals 2024; 37:321-336. [PMID: 37917351 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00549-y] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Candida spp. are the commonest fungal pathogens worldwide. Antifungal resistance is a problem that has prompted the discovery of novel anti-Candida drugs. Herein, 25 compounds, some of them containing copper(II), cobalt(II) and manganese(II) ions, were initially evaluated for inhibiting the growth of reference strains of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Eight (32%) of the compounds inhibited the proliferation of these yeasts, displaying minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFCs) from 62.5 to 250 μg/mL. Drug-likeness/pharmacokinetic calculated by SwissADME indicated that the 8 selected compounds were suitable for use as topical drugs. The complex CTP, Cu(theo)2phen(H2O).5H2O (theo = theophylline; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), was chosen for further testing against 10 medically relevant Candida species that were resistant to fluconazole/amphotericin B. CTP demonstrated a broad spectrum of action, inhibiting the growth of all 20 clinical fungal isolates, with MICs from 7.81 to 62.5 μg/mL and MFCs from 15.62 to 62.5 μg/mL. Conversely, CTP did not cause lysis in erythrocytes. The toxicity of CTP was evaluated in vivo using Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor. CTP had no or low levels of toxicity at doses ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL for 5 days. After 24 h of treatment, G. mellonella larvae exhibited high survival rates even when exposed to high doses of CTP (600 μg/mL), with the 50% cytotoxic concentration calculated as 776.2 μg/mL, generating selectivity indexes varying from 12.4 to 99.4 depending on each Candida species. These findings suggest that CTP could serve as a potential drug to treat infections caused by Candida species resistant to clinically available antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heloisa F Frota
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Carolline M A Lorentino
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Pedro F Barbosa
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Lívia S Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Iuri C Barcellos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20270-220, Brazil
| | - Lucas Giovanini
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Lucieri O P Souza
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Simone S C Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Olufunso O Abosede
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University Otuoke, P.M.B 126, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Adeniyi S Ogunlaja
- Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
| | - Matheus M Pereira
- Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-901, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-909, Brazil.
- Rede Micologia RJ - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 21941-901, Brazil.
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Campelo JES, Nascimento MOD, Carvalho ALM, Santos HSP, Almeida JOCSD, Alves MMDM, Arcanjo DDR, Tavares Neto JM, Muratori MCS, Costa APR. Evaluation of the acute toxicity of ellagic acid and gallic acid incorporated in Poloxamer407® gel, in Zophobas morio larvae. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 95:105727. [PMID: 37993026 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105727] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Gallic acid (GA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while ellagic acid (EA) demonstrates anticancer, antiviral and photoprotective activity. In this study, the combination of these substances incorporated into a poloxamer gel was tested to verify the individual effect of the substances, in addition to taking advantage of a probable complementary effect, aiming to provide additional therapeutic benefits. As a result of the incorporation, formulations containing GA, EA and GA + EA were obtained, which were evaluated for the effects of the Freeze-thaw cycle on pH, which revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in most samples, including the vehicle (without drug) and the gel containing both drugs. No sample showed variation outside the normal pH range for the skin, with values ranging from 4.8 to 6.0. Regarding conductivity, the GA, EA and GA + EA formulations showed a reduction (p < 0.05) after the freeze-thaw cycle. The drug content in the formulations ranged from 95.86% to 101.35% initially to 91.30% to 101.51% after the freeze-thaw cycle. Regarding the drug release, the results revealed the following cumulative percentages: GA-3% - 92.58% after 1.5 h; AE-3% - 51.60% after 6 h; GA + EA (1.5% = 1.5%) - 99.91% after 2 h; GA + EA- (1.5% = 1.5%) released 57.06%, after 6 h. Regarding toxicity, it was observed that the group treated with GA showed a lower survival rate of the larvae (40%) at the dose 3000 mg/Kg in the formulation. Following the same trend, in the acute lethal concentration (ALC50) test performed using Zophobas morio larvae, an ALC50 of 2191.51 mg/Kg was observed for GA at 48 h. Melanin analysis showed a decrease in concentrations of 30 mg/Kg in the GA group, 3 mg/Kg of EA and 3, 300, 3000 mg/Kg of GA + EA, of the pure drugs. In the groups with the drugs incorporated into the gel, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in melanin in the vehicle (gel), at concentrations of 300 and 3000 mg/Kg of GA and EA. On the other hand, in the combination of GA + EA, a reduction was observed at concentrations of 3 and 30 mg/Kg when compared to the control group. Thus, the gel showed good quality as a pharmaceutical formulation for topical use and low toxicity, making it promising for use in skin therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamilly Erica Sousa Campelo
- PPGTAIR - Postgraduate Program in Technologies Applied to Animals of Regional Interest, UFPI - CCA, Piaui, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hayana Sara Pereira Santos
- DMV -CCA Department of Morphophysiology, Center for Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Piaui, Piaui, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
- LAFMOL - Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Studies in Physiopharmacology, UFPI - CCS, Piaui, Brazil
| | - José Moreira Tavares Neto
- LAFMOL - Laboratory of Functional and Molecular Studies in Physiopharmacology, UFPI - CCS, Piaui, Brazil
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Rakovitsky N, Temkin E, Hameir A, Lurie-Weinberger M, Keren-Paz A, Carmeli Y. Zophobas morio larvae as a novel model for the study of Acinetobacter virulence and antimicrobial resistance. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1375787. [PMID: 38476953 PMCID: PMC10927975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1375787] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of mammalian models for in vivo testing of bacterial virulence raises ethical concerns and is expensive and time-consuming. As an alternative, non-mammalian models are sought. Galleria mellonella larvae have been used as a model to study several bacterial pathogens. However, their maintenance is challenging, and commercial supply is low. In this study, we aimed to establish the Zophobas morio larvae as an alternative non-mammalian model for the evaluation of the pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Acinetobacter baumannii. We infected Z. morio with Acinetobacter strains and determined the optimal temperature and inoculum. To visualize the bacterial distribution within the larvae, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed. Next, a survival model of infected larvae was established, and virulence was compared between strains. The effect of antimicrobial treatment in relation to antibiotic susceptibility was studied. Our results demonstrate that Z. morio can be used as a model system for in vivo studies of A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Rakovitsky
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Temkin
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amichay Hameir
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mor Lurie-Weinberger
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alona Keren-Paz
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Carmeli
- National Institute for Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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7
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Scheler J, Binder U. Alternative in-vivo models of mucormycosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1343834. [PMID: 38362495 PMCID: PMC10867140 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1343834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is still regarded a rare fungal infection, but the high incidences of COVID-associated cases in India and other countries have shown its potential threat to large patient cohorts. In addition, infections by these fast-growing fungi are often fatal and cause disfigurement, badly affecting patients' lives. In advancing our understanding of pathogenicity factors involved in this disease, to enhance the diagnostic toolset and to evaluate novel treatment regimes, animal models are indispensable. As ethical and practical considerations typically favor the use of alternative model systems, this review provides an overview of alternative animal models employed for mucormycosis and discusses advantages and limitations of the respective model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulrike Binder
- Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Public Health, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria
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8
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Eisenman HC. A Galleria Model of Cryptococcus neoformans Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2775:3-11. [PMID: 38758307 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3722-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae are a popular and simple model organism for infectious disease research. Last instar larvae can be purchased inexpensively from commercial suppliers and infected with Cryptococcus. Injection into the proleg of larvae results in systemic infections. Larvae may then be monitored for survival or homogenized to determine fungal burden. Fixation of infected larvae produces samples suitable for histological staining and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene C Eisenman
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Han Z, Moh ESX, Santos ALS, Barcellos IC, Peng Y, Huang W, Ye J. Dechlorination of wastewater from shell-based glucosamine processing by mangrove wetland-derived fungi. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1271286. [PMID: 37901808 PMCID: PMC10613029 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1271286] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Wastewater from processing crustacean shell features ultrahigh chloride content. Bioremediation of the wastewater is challenging due to the high chloride ion content, making it inhospitable for most microorganisms to survive and growth. In this study, mangrove wetland-derived fungi were first tested for their salt tolerance, and the highly tolerant isolates were cultured in shrimp processing wastewater and the chloride concentration was monitored. Notably, the filamentous fungal species Aspergillus piperis could remove over 70% of the chloride in the wastewater within 3 days, with the fastest biomass increase (2.01 times heavier) and chloride removal occurring between day one and two. The chloride ions were sequestered into the fungal cells. The genome of this fungal species contained Cl- conversion enzymes, which may have contributed to the ion removal. The fungal strain was found to be of low virulence in larval models and could serve as a starting point for further considerations in bioremediation of shell processing wastewater, promoting the development of green technology in the shell processing industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Han
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Edward S. X. Moh
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and Rede Micologia RJ – FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iuri C. Barcellos
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), and Rede Micologia RJ – FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yuanhuai Peng
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Weicong Huang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianzhi Ye
- Agricultural Products Processing Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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10
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Costa GLD, Negri M, Miranda RPRD, Corrêa-Moreira D, Pinto TCA, Ramos LDS, Ferreira DG, Salomão B, Fumian TM, Mannarino CF, Prado T, Miagostovich MP, Santos ALSD, Oliveira MME. Candida palmioleophila: A New Emerging Threat in Brazil? J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:770. [PMID: 37504758 PMCID: PMC10381623 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human activity directly or indirectly causes climate change, promoting changes in the composition of the atmosphere. This change is beyond the variation of the natural climate. In this manner, climate change could create an environmental pressure which is enough to trigger new fungal diseases. In addition to climate alterations, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been associated with the emergence of fungal pathogens. Fungi showed that an inability to grow at high temperatures limits the capacity of fungi to infect mammals. However, fungi can develop thermotolerance, gradually adapting to rising temperatures due to climate change, and generating a greater number of disease-causing organisms. In the present study, we reported the detection and identification of Candida palmioleophila isolates recovered from raw sewage samples in Niteroi city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, during a monitoring program for measuring SARS-CoV-2 presence and concentration. Using polyphasic taxonomy to identify the species and evaluating some virulence aspects of this species, such as biofilm formation and extracellular enzyme production, our data highlight this species as a possible emerging pathogen in Brazil, especially in the pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Lara da Costa
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Clinical Analysis Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Prado Rodrigues de Miranda
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Insect Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Danielly Corrêa-Moreira
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Castro Abreu Pinto
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Cocci and Microbiota, Paulo de Goés Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Livia de Souza Ramos
- Laboratory for Advanced Studies of Emerging and Resistant Microorganisms, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Deisiany Gomes Ferreira
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Clinical Analysis Department, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Bruna Salomão
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Federal Hospital of Andaraí, Rio de Janeiro 20541-170, Brazil
| | - Tulio Machado Fumian
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Camille Ferreira Mannarino
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prado
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Marise Pereira Miagostovich
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratory for Advanced Studies of Emerging and Resistant Microorganisms, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Manoel Marques Evangelista Oliveira
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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11
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Corrêa-Junior D, de Andrade IB, Alves V, Avellar-Moura I, Rodrigues-Alves T, de Souza Rabello VB, de S Araújo GR, Borba-Santos LP, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Metabolic Plasticity and Virulence-Associated Factors of Sporothrix brasiliensis Strains Related to Familiar Outbreaks of Cat-to-Human Transmitted Sporotrichosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:724. [PMID: 37504713 PMCID: PMC10381138 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix brasiliensis is the main agent of zoonotic sporotrichosis transmitted by domestic cats in South America. In humans, sporotrichosis commonly presents with cutaneous or lymphocutaneous lesions, and in cats, with multiple ulcerated skin lesions associated with enlarged lymph nodes and respiratory signs. Fungal virulence factors may affect the clinical presentation of the mycoses. Sporothrix spp. present some virulence factors. This study aims to compare 24 S. brasiliensis strains from 12 familiar outbreaks of cat-to-human transmitted sporotrichosis. Fungal growth in different substrates, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and production of enzymes were evaluated. An invertebrate model of experimental infection was used to compare the virulence of the strains. The strains grew well on glucose and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine but poorly on lactate. Their thermotolerance was moderate to high. All strains were susceptible to hydrogen peroxide, and the majority produced hemolysins but not phospholipase and esterase. There was no significant difference in the putative virulence-associated factors studied among the different hosts. Moreover, strains isolated from a human and a cat from four familiar outbreaks presented a very similar profile of expression of these factors, reinforcing the zoonotic transmission of S. brasiliensis in Brazil and demonstrating the plasticity of this species in the production of virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Tânia Rodrigues-Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Glauber R de S Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
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12
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Ribeiro IMM, de Sousa VC, Melo ECS, Carvalho RDCVD, Santos MDSD, Neto JADON, Melo DSD, Teixeira LSDA, Citó AMDGL, Moura AKS, Arcanjo DDR, Carvalho FADA, Alves MMDM, Mendonça ILD. Antileishmania and immunomodulatory potential of cashew nut shell liquid and cardanol. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 87:105524. [PMID: 36435415 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105524] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Conventional treatments for leishmaniasis have caused serious adverse effects, poor tolerance, development of resistant strains. Natural products have been investigated as potential therapeutic alternatives. The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a natural source of phenolic compounds with several biological activities, where cardanol (CN) is considered one of the most important and promising compounds. This study aimed to evaluate antileishmanial, cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities of CNSL and CN. Both showed antileishmanial potential, with IC50 for CNSL and CN against Leishmania infantum: 148.12 and 56.74 μg/mL; against Leishmania braziliensis: 85.71 and 64.28 μg/mL; against Leishmania major: 153.56 and 122.31 μg/mL, respectively. The mean cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of CNSL and CN were 37.51 and 31.44 μg/mL, respectively. CNSL and CN significantly reduced the percentage of infected macrophages, with a selectivity index (SI) >20 for CN. CNSL and cardanol caused an increase in phagocytic capacity and lysosomal volume. Survival rates of Zophobas morio larvae at doses of 3; 30 and 300 mg/kg were: 85%, 75% and 60% in contact with CNSL and 85%, 60% and 40% in contact with CN, respectively. There was a significant difference between the survival curves of larvae when treated with CN, demonstrating a significant acute toxicity for this substance. Additional investigations are needed to evaluate these substances in the in vivo experimental infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Marjory Martins Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Aplicadas a Animais de Interesse Regional, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Valéria Carlos de Sousa
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Danielly Silva de Melo
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Departamento de Biofísica e Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
| | | | - Michel Muálem de Moraes Alves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Aplicadas a Animais de Interesse Regional, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Núcleo de Pesquisas em Plantas Medicinais, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.
| | - Ivete Lopes de Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias Aplicadas a Animais de Interesse Regional, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil; Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
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13
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Motta H, Catarina Vieira Reuwsaat J, Daidrê Squizani E, da Silva Camargo M, Wichine Acosta Garcia A, Schrank A, Henning Vainstein M, Christian Staats C, Kmetzsch L. The small heat shock protein Hsp12.1 has a major role in the stress response and virulence of Cryptococcus gattii. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 165:103780. [PMID: 36780981 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103780] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is one of the etiological agents of cryptococcosis. To achieve a successful infection, C. gattii cells must overcome the inhospitable host environment and deal with the highly specialized immune system and poor nutrients availability. Inside the host, C. gattii uses a diversified set of tools to maintain homeostasis and establish infection, such as the expression of remarkable and diverse heat shock proteins (Hsps). Grouped by molecular weight, little is known about the Hsp12 subset in pathogenic fungi. In this study, the function of the C. gattii HSP12.1 and HSP12.2 genes was characterized. Both genes were upregulated during murine infection and heat shock. The hsp12.1 Δ null mutant cells were sensitive to plasma membrane and oxidative stressors. Moreover, HSP12 deletion induced C. gattii reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation associated with a differential expression pattern of oxidative stress-responsive genes compared to the wild type strain. Apart from these findings, the deletion of the paralog gene HSP12.2 did not lead to any detectable phenotype. Additionally, the double-deletion mutant strain hsp12.1 Δ /hsp12.2 Δ presented a similar phenotype to the single-deletion mutant hsp12.1 Δ, suggesting a minor participation of Hsp12.2 in these processes. Furthermore, HSP12.1 disruption remarkably affected C. gattii virulence and phagocytosis by macrophages in an invertebrate model of infection, demonstrating its importance for C. gattii pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heryk Motta
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Eamim Daidrê Squizani
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Augusto Schrank
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Charley Christian Staats
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lívia Kmetzsch
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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14
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Ramos LS, Mokus L, Frota HF, Santos MV, Oliveira SSC, Oliveira MME, Costa GL, Alves AL, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Orofino-Costa R, Aor AC, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. SARS-CoV-2 Post-Infection and Sepsis by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A Fatal Case Report-Focus on Fungal Susceptibility and Potential Virulence Attributes. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020099. [PMID: 36828515 PMCID: PMC9963862 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020099] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for approximately 6.8 million deaths worldwide, threatening more than 753 million individuals. People with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection often exhibit an immunosuppression condition, resulting in greater chances of developing co-infections with bacteria and fungi, including opportunistic yeasts belonging to the Saccharomyces and Candida genera. In the present work, we have reported the case of a 75-year-old woman admitted at a Brazilian university hospital with an arterial ulcer in the left foot, which was being prepared for surgical amputation. The patient presented other underlying diseases and presented positive tests for COVID-19 prior to hospitalization. She received antimicrobial treatment, but her general condition worsened quickly, leading to death by septic shock after 4 days of hospitalization. Blood samples collected on the day she died were positive for yeast-like organisms, which were later identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae by both biochemical and molecular methods. The fungal strain exhibited low minimal inhibitory concentration values for the antifungal agents tested (amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole), and it was able to produce important virulence factors, such as extracellular bioactive molecules (e.g., aspartic peptidase, phospholipase, esterase, phytase, catalase, hemolysin and siderophore) and biofilm. Despite the activity against planktonic cells, the antifungals were not able to impact the mature biofilm parameters (biomass and viability). Additionally, the S. cerevisiae strain caused the death of Tenebrio molitor larvae, depending on the fungal inoculum, and larvae immunosuppression with corticosteroids increased the larvae mortality rate. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the emergence of S. cerevisiae as an opportunistic fungal pathogen in immunosuppressed patients presenting several severe comorbidities, including COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia S. Ramos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luca Mokus
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Heloisa F. Frota
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
| | - Marcos V. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Simone S. C. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Manoel M. E. Oliveira
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Gisela L. Costa
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Luísa Alves
- Unidade Docente-Assistencial de Dermatologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Andréa R. Bernardes-Engemann
- Laboratório de Micologia, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Rosane Orofino-Costa
- Unidade Docente-Assistencial de Dermatologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Aor
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Marta H. Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Correspondence: (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.S.)
| | - André L. S. Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ—Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Correspondence: (M.H.B.); (A.L.S.S.)
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15
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Vargas-Maya NI, Olmedo-Monfil V, Ramírez-Prado JH, Reyes-Cortés R, Padilla-Vaca F, Franco B. Catalases in the pathogenesis of Sporothrix schenckii research. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14478. [PMID: 36523453 PMCID: PMC9745942 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14478] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungal infection success depends on the ability to escape the immune response. Most strategies for fungal infection control are focused on the inhibition of virulence factors and increasing the effectiveness of antifungal drugs. Nevertheless, little attention has been focused on their physiological resistance to the host immune system. Hints may be found in pathogenic fungi that also inhabit the soil. In nature, the saprophyte lifestyle of fungi is also associated with predators that can induce oxidative stress upon cell damage. The natural sources of nutrients for fungi are linked to cellulose degradation, which in turn generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overall, the antioxidant arsenal needed to thrive both in free-living and pathogenic lifestyles in fungi is fundamental for success. In this review, we present recent findings regarding catalases and oxidative stress in fungi and how these can be in close relationship with pathogenesis. Additionally, special focus is placed on catalases of Sporothrix schenckii as a pathogenic model with a dual lifestyle. It is assumed that catalase expression is activated upon exposure to H2O2, but there are reports where this is not always the case. Additionally, it may be relevant to consider the role of catalases in S. schenckii survival in the saprophytic lifestyle and why their study can assess their involvement in the survival and therefore, in the virulence phenotype of different species of Sporothrix and when each of the three catalases are required. Also, studying antioxidant mechanisms in other isolates of pathogenic and free-living fungi may be linked to the virulence phenotype and be potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Thus, the rationale for this review to place focus on fungal catalases and their role in pathogenesis in addition to counteracting the effect of immune system reactive oxygen species. Fungi that thrive in soil and have mammal hosts could shed light on the importance of these enzymes in the two types of lifestyles. We look forward to encouraging more research in a myriad of areas on catalase biology with a focus on basic and applied objectives and placing these enzymes as virulence determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruth Reyes-Cortés
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Felipe Padilla-Vaca
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
| | - Bernardo Franco
- Biology Department, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Guanajuato, México
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16
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da Silva AF, Farias JR, Franco DCG, Galiza AA, Motta EP, Oliveira ADS, Vasconcelos CC, Cartágenes MDSDS, da Rocha CQ, da Silva MCP, Lopes AJO, do Nascimento FRF, Monteiro CA, Guerra RNM. Anti- Candida albicans Activity of Ononin and Other Secondary Metabolites from Platonia Insignis MART. Metabolites 2022; 12:1014. [PMID: 36355097 PMCID: PMC9696916 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a human pathogen that is part of the healthy microbiome. However, it is often associated with opportunistic fungal infections. The treatment of these infections is challenging because prolonged exposure to antifungal drugs can culminate in fungal resistance during therapy, and there is a limited number of available drugs. Therefore, this study investigated the antifungal activity of ononin by in silico and in vitro assays, and in Tenebrio molitor as an alternative in vivo model of infection caused by C. albicans. Ononin is an isoflavone glycoside derived from formononetin that has various biological activities. According in silico evaluation, ononin showed the best electron affinity in molecular docking with CaCYP51, with a binding free energy of -10.89 kcal/mol, superior to that of the antifungal drugs fluconazole and posaconazole. The ononin + CaCYP51 complex formed hydrogen bonds with Tyr132, Ser378, Phe380, and Met508, as well as hydrophobic connections with Tyr118, Leu121, Phe126, Leu131, Ile304, and Leu309, and interactions with the heme group. Ononin exerted anti-Candida albicans activity, with MIC between 3.9 and 7.8 µg/mL, and inhibited young and mature biofilms, with a reduction in cell density and metabolic activity of 50 to 80%. The compound was not cytotoxic to sheep red blood cells at concentrations up to 1000 µg/mL. Larvae of the mealworm T. molitor were used as an alternative in vivo model of C. albicans infection. Ononin was able to prolong larval survival at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg, and was not toxic up to a concentration of 20 mg/kg. Moreover, ononin reduced the fungal charge in treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest that ononin has anti-Candida albicans activity and is a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson França da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Josivan Regis Farias
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Danielle Cristine Gomes Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Andrea Araruna Galiza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Elizangela Pestana Motta
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Aluísio da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | - Maria do Socorro de Sousa Cartágenes
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Laboratory of Experimental Study of Pain, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | | | - Mayara Cristina Pinto da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Alberto Jorge Oliveira Lopes
- Federal Institute of Science Education and Technology of Maranhão-Campus Santa Inês, Santa Inês 65300-000, Brazil
| | - Flavia Raquel Fernandes do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Cristina Andrade Monteiro
- Department of Biology, Federal Institute of Science Education and Technology of Maranhão, São Luís 65030-005, Brazil
| | - Rosane Nassar Meireles Guerra
- Laboratory of Immunophysiolgy, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Biotechnology-RENORBIO, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
- Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, Brazil
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González-Acosta S, Baca-González V, Asensio-Calavia P, Otazo-Pérez A, López MR, Morales-delaNuez A, Pérez de la Lastra JM. Efficient Oral Priming of Tenebrio molitor Larvae Using Heat-Inactivated Microorganisms. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081296. [PMID: 36016184 PMCID: PMC9415734 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial resistance is a global health problem that will increase over time. Advances in insect antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a powerful new approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. Invertebrates represent a rich group of animals for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents due to their high diversity and the presence of adaptive immunity or “immune priming”. Here, we report a priming approach for Tenebrio molitor that simulates natural infection via the oral route. This oral administration has the advantage of minimizing the stress caused by conventional priming techniques and could be a viable method for mealworm immunity studies. When using inactivated microorganisms for oral priming, our results showed an increased survival of T. molitor larvae after exposure to various pathogens. This finding was consistent with the induction of antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph of primed larvae. Interestingly, the hemolymph of larvae orally primed with Escherichia coli showed constitutive activity against Staphylococcus aureus and heterologous activity for other Gram-negative bacteria, such as Salmonella enterica. The priming of T. molitor is generally performed via injection of the microorganism. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the oral administration of heat-inactivated microorganisms for priming mealworms. This technique has the advantage of reducing the stress that occurs with the conventional methods for priming vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio González-Acosta
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de La Laguna Avda, Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo, 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Victoria Baca-González
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Patricia Asensio-Calavia
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de La Laguna Avda, Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo, 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Andrea Otazo-Pérez
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
- Escuela de Doctorado y Estudios de Posgrado, Universidad de La Laguna Avda, Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, SN. Edificio Calabaza-Apdo, 456, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Manuel R. López
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Antonio Morales-delaNuez
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología, (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 San Cristóbal de la Laguna, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-474334
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da Rosa Monte Machado G, Neiva Lavorato S, Lopes W, Henning Vainstein M, Lettieri Teixeira M, José Alves R, de Andrade SF, Meneghello Fuentefria A. A chloroacetamide derivative as a potent candidate for fusariosis treatment. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1289-1295. [PMID: 35648381 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00771-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusariosis has presented a significant increase in their incidence in the last years. This epidemiological panorama probably is due to the increasing profile of refractory susceptibility of Fusarium spp. to available drugs, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Thus, the development of new compounds with effectiveness on these organisms is a necessity. This study evaluated the antifungal potential of a chloroacetamide derivative (4-BFCA) against resistant Fusarium strains. As a result, the compound was effective against all strains (MIC range 12.5-50 μg/mL). The time kill assay demonstrated that 4-BFCA presents a concentration-dependent fungicidal action. Although its action mechanism has not yet been elucidated, it was possible to observe its efficacy through damages and alterations provoked along the hyphae of Fusarium spp. 4-BFCA maintained a high survival rate of Tenebrio molitor larvae, suggesting that it does not cause acute systemic toxicity on this host at the concentration evaluated. In addition, 4-BFCA was 83.33% effective in combating a fungal infection in vivo on the chorioallantoid membrane of embryonated eggs. Our results are very promising and arouse interest to investigate the action of 4-BFCA on Fusarium strains since it acts as a possible candidate for the development of new therapies for the treatment of fusariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella da Rosa Monte Machado
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Pesquisa Em Micologia Aplicada, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Stefânia Neiva Lavorato
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Oeste da Bahia, Rua da Prainha no 1326 Morada Nobre, Barreiras, BA, 47810-047, Brazil
| | - William Lopes
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Bento Gonçalves no 9500 - Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Marilene Henning Vainstein
- Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Bento Gonçalves no 9500 - Campus do Vale, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Mário Lettieri Teixeira
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Federal Catarinense Institute, Highway SC 283 - Fragosos, Campus Concórdia, Concórdia, SC, 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Ricardo José Alves
- Department of Pharmaceutical Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Presidente Antônio Carlos no 6627 - Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Graduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Sarmento Leite no 500 - Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
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El-Kamand S, Steiner M, Ramirez C, Halliday C, Chen SCA, Papanicolaou A, Morton CO. Assessing Differences between Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from Cases of Proven Invasive Aspergillosis and Colonizing Isolates with Respect to Phenotype (Virulence in Tenebrio molitor Larvae) and Genotype. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040428. [PMID: 35456102 PMCID: PMC9029132 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA), is a serious risk to transplant patients and those with respiratory diseases. Host immune suppression is considered the most important factor for the development of IA. Less is known about the importance of fungal virulence in the development of IA including the significance of variation between isolates. In this study, isolates of A. fumigatus from cases diagnosed as having proven IA or colonisation (no evidence of IA) were compared in assays to measure isolate virulence. These assays included the measurement of radial growth and protease production on agar, sensitivity to UV light and oxidative stressors, and virulence in Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae. These assays did not reveal obvious differences in virulence between the two groups of isolates; this provided the impetus to conduct genomic analysis. Whole genome sequencing and analysis did not allow grouping into coloniser or IA isolates. However, focused analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed variation in three putative genes: AFUA_5G09420 (ccg-8), AFUA_4G00330, and AFUA_4G00350. These are known to be responsive to azole exposure, and ccg-8 deletion leads to azole hypersensitivity in other fungi. A. fumigatus virulence is challenging, but the findings of this study indicate that further research into the response to oxidative stress and azole exposure are required to understand the development of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam El-Kamand
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Martina Steiner
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Carl Ramirez
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Catriona Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (C.H.); (S.C.-A.C.)
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (C.H.); (S.C.-A.C.)
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, NSW 2753, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (C.O.M.); Tel.: +61-2-4570-1385 (A.P.); +61-2-4620-3446 (C.O.M.)
| | - Charles Oliver Morton
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (C.O.M.); Tel.: +61-2-4570-1385 (A.P.); +61-2-4620-3446 (C.O.M.)
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Vargas-Macías AP, Gómez-Gaviria M, García-Carnero LC, Mora-Montes HM. Current Models to Study the Sporothrix-Host Interaction. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:833111. [PMID: 37746241 PMCID: PMC10512367 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.833111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a worldwide distributed subcutaneous mycosis that affects mammals, including human beings. The infection is caused by members of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade, which includes Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa. The fungus can be acquired through traumatic inoculation of conidia growing in vegetal debris or by zoonotic transmission from sick animals. Although is not considered a life-threatening disease, it is an emergent health problem that affects mostly immunocompromised patients. The sporotrichosis causative agents differ in their virulence, host range, and sensitivity to antifungal drugs; therefore, it is relevant to understand the molecular bases of their pathogenesis, interaction with immune effectors, and mechanisms to acquired resistance to antifungal compounds. Murine models are considered the gold standard to address these questions; however, some alternative hosts offer numerous advantages over mammalian models, such as invertebrates like Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor, or ex vivo models, which are useful tools to approach questions beyond virulence, without the ethical or budgetary features associated with the use of animal models. In this review, we analyze the different models currently used to study the host-Sporothrix interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Héctor M. Mora-Montes
- División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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Rhodotorula sp. and Trichosporon sp. are more Virulent After a Mixed Biofilm. Mycopathologia 2021; 187:85-93. [PMID: 34855103 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00606-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Rhodotorula spp. and Trichosporon spp. are opportunistic pathogens, and although an association between these two species in the same infection appears to be uncommon, it has been reported. This is the first study that aimed to evaluate the pathogenesis of a co-infection by R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii, using a new in vivo model, the Zophobas morio larvae. Suspensions from planktonic and biofilm-recovered cells were injected in the larvae as in monospecies as mixed (a ratio of 1:1 for both agents of a of 105 inoculum). Individual and mixed biofilms of R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii were produced for 24 and 48 h, and they were partially characterized by crystal violet and reduction of tetrazolium salt. When evaluating the impact of the planktonic suspension in vivo we verified that the fungi in monoculture were more able to kill the larvae than those from planktonic mixed suspension. On the other hand, regarding biofilm-recovered cells, there was an increase in the death of larvae infected for mixed suspensions. Moreover, the death rate was more pronounced when the larvae were infected with 48 h biofilm-recovered cells than the 24 h ones. T. asahii was the best producer of total biomass, mainly in 48 h. The metabolic activity for both yeasts organized in biofilm maintained the same pattern between 24 and 48 h. The present study proves a synergistic interaction between R. mucilaginosa and T. asahii after an experience in a mixed biofilm. Our results suggest that both species were benefited from this interaction, acquiring a greater potential for virulence after passing through the biofilm and this ability was acquired by the cells released from the biofilm.
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22
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Lozoya-Pérez NE, García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Martínez-Duncker I, Mora-Montes HM. Tenebrio molitor as an Alternative Model to Analyze the Sporothrix Species Virulence. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:2059-2072. [PMID: 34113132 PMCID: PMC8184153 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s312553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sporotrichosis is an increasing threat for humans, affecting mainly skin and subcutaneous tissues but that can cause disseminated infection in immunocompromised patients. Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa are the main etiological agents of this mycosis, and each species show different virulence levels. The gold standard to assess fungal virulence is the mouse model that is expensive and time-consuming. Thus, invertebrate models have been reported as an alternative for the evaluation of fungal virulence. Here, we assessed whether Tenebrio molitor larvae could be a new alternative to study Sporothrix spp. virulence. Methods T. molitor larvae were inoculated with different doses of S. schenckii, S. brasiliensis, and S. globosa, and animal mortality, cytotoxicity, and immunological parameters were analyzed, including the ability to stimulate immunological priming. Results Mortality curves demonstrated that yeast-like cells were the best fungal morphology to kill larvae and showed a similar ranking in virulence than that reported in other animal models, ie, being S. brasiliensis and S. globosa the species with the highest and lowest virulence, respectively. The usefulness of this model was validated with the analysis of several S. schenckii strains with different virulence degrees, and changes in cytotoxicity, humoral and cellular immunological parameters. Low-virulence strains stimulated low levels of cytotoxicity, phenoloxidase activity, and hemocyte countings, and these immunological cells poorly uptake fungi. Moreover, using recombinant Gp70 from S. schenckii immunological priming was stimulated in larvae and this protected against a lethal dose of fungal cells from any of the three species under study. Conclusion The study demonstrated that T. molitor larvae are an appropriate alternative invertebrate model to analyze the virulence of S. schenckii, S. brasiliensis, and S. globosa. Additionally, hemocyte levels, phenoloxidase activity, cytotoxicity, uptake by hemocytes, and immunological priming are biological parameters that can be used to study the Sporothrix-T. molitor interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, México
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, México
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, México
| | - Iván Martínez-Duncker
- Laboratorio de Glicobiología Humana y Diagnóstico Molecular; Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 36050, México
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Zrg1, a cryptococcal protein associated with regulation of growth in nutrient deprivation conditions. Genomics 2021; 113:805-814. [PMID: 33529779 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii is one of the causes of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening disease generally characterized by pneumonia and/or meningitis. Zinc is an essential element for life, being required for the activity of many proteins with catalytic and structural roles. Here, we characterize ZRG1 (zinc-related gene 1), which codes a product involved in zinc metabolism. Transcriptional profiling revealed that zinc availability regulated the expression of ZRG1, and its null mutants demonstrated impaired growth in zinc- and nitrogen-limiting conditions. Moreover, zrg1 strains displayed alterations in the expression of the zinc homeostasis-related genes ZAP1 and ZIP1. Notably, cryptococcal cells lacking Zrg1 displayed upregulation of autophagy-like phenotypes. Despite no differences were detected in the classical virulence-associated traits; cryptococcal cells lacking ZRG1 displayed decreased capacity for survival inside macrophages and attenuated virulence in an invertebrate model. Together, these results indicate that ZRG1 plays an important role in proper zinc metabolism, and is necessary for cryptococcal fitness and virulence.
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Influences of the Culturing Media in the Virulence and Cell Wall of Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040323. [PMID: 33260702 PMCID: PMC7712150 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa are etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a human subcutaneous mycosis. Although the protocols to evaluate Sporothrix virulence in animal models are well described, the cell preparation before inoculation is not standardized, and several culturing media are used to grow yeast-like cells. Here, we found that carbon or nitrogen limitation during fungal cell preparation negatively impacted the ability of S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis to kill Galleria mellonella larvae, but not S. globosa. The fungal growth conditions associated with the short median survival of animals were accompanied by increased hemocyte countings, phenoloxidase activity, and cytotoxicity. The fungal growth under carbon or nitrogen limitation also affected the cell wall composition of both S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis and showed increased exposure of β-1,3-glucan at the cell surface, while those growing conditions had a minimal impact on the S.globosa wall, which had higher levels of this polysaccharide exposed on the wall regardless of the culture condition. This polysaccharide exposure was linked to the increased ability of insect hemocytes to uptake fungal cells, suggesting that this is one of the mechanisms behind the lower virulence of S.globosa or cells from the other species grown in carbon or nitrogen limitation.
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García-Carnero LC, Clavijo-Giraldo DM, Gómez-Gaviria M, Lozoya-Pérez NE, Tamez-Castrellón AK, López-Ramírez LA, Mora-Montes HM. Early Virulence Predictors during the Candida Species- Galleria mellonella Interaction. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030152. [PMID: 32867152 PMCID: PMC7559698 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a serious and increasing threat for human health, and one of the most frequent etiological agents for systemic mycoses is Candida spp. The gold standard to assess Candida virulence is the mouse model of systemic candidiasis, a restrictive, expensive, and time-consuming approach; therefore, invertebrate models have been proposed as alternatives. Galleria mellonella larvae have several traits that make them good candidates to study the fungal virulence. Here, we showed that a reduction in circulating hemocytes, increased melanin production, phenoloxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were observed at 12 and 24 h postinoculation of highly virulent Candidatropicalis strains, while minimal changes in these parameters were observed in low-virulent strains. Similarly, the most virulent species Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida auris, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida orthopsilosis have led to significant changes in those parameters; while the low virulent species Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, and Candida metapsilosis induced modest variations in these immunological and cytotoxicity parameters. Since changes in circulating hemocytes, melanin production, phenoloxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities showed a correlation with the larval median survival rates at 12 and 24 h postinoculation, we proposed them as candidates for early virulence predictors in G. mellonella.
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da Rosa Monte Machado G, Diedrich D, Ruaro TC, Zimmer AR, Lettieri Teixeira M, de Oliveira LF, Jean M, Van de Weghe P, de Andrade SF, Baggio Gnoatto SC, Fuentefria AM. Quinolines derivatives as promising new antifungal candidates for the treatment of candidiasis and dermatophytosis. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1691-1701. [PMID: 32737869 PMCID: PMC7394049 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00348-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have emerged as a current serious global public health problem. The main problem involving these infections is the expansion of multidrug resistance. Therefore, the prospection of new compounds with efficacy antifungal becomes necessary. Thus, this study evaluated the antifungal profile and toxicological parameters of quinolines derivatives against Candida spp. and dermatophyte strains. As a result, a selective anti-dermatophytic action was demonstrated by compound 5 (geometric means (GM = 19.14 μg ml−1)). However, compounds 2 (GM = 50 μg ml−1) and 3 (GM = 47.19 μg ml−1) have presented only anti-Candida action. Compounds 3 and 5 did not present cytotoxic action. Compound 5 did not produce dermal and mucosal toxicity. In addition, this compound showed the absence of genotoxic potential, suggesting safety for topical and systemic use. Quinolines demonstrated a potent anti-dermatophytic and anti-yeast action. Moreover, compound 5 presented an excellent toxicological profile, acting as a strong candidate for the development of a new effective and safe compound against dermatophytosis of difficult treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella da Rosa Monte Machado
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite n° 500, Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil. .,Laboratory of Applied Mycology - Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Denise Diedrich
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Thaís Carine Ruaro
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Aline Rigon Zimmer
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Mário Lettieri Teixeira
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Federal Catarinense Institute, Highway SC 283 - Fragosos, Concórdia, SC, 89703-720, Brazil
| | - Luís Flávio de Oliveira
- Cell Toxicology Research Laboratory, Federal University of Pampa, BR 472 - Km 585, Uruguaiana, RS, 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Mickael Jean
- Natural Products Syntheses and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Rennes University 1, Street du Thabor, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre Van de Weghe
- Natural Products Syntheses and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Rennes University 1, Street du Thabor, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Saulo Fernandes de Andrade
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite n° 500, Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Simone Cristina Baggio Gnoatto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Meneghello Fuentefria
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology and Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite n° 500, Farroupilha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenue Ipiranga, n° 2752 - Azenha, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
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Silva MG, de Curcio JS, Silva-Bailão MG, Lima RM, Tomazett MV, de Souza AF, Cruz-Leite VRM, Sbaraini N, Bailão AM, Rodrigues F, Pereira M, Gonçales RA, de Almeida Soares CM. Molecular characterization of siderophore biosynthesis in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. IMA Fungus 2020; 11:11. [PMID: 32742914 PMCID: PMC7359926 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-020-00035-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential nutrient for all organisms. For pathogenic fungi, iron is essential for the success of infection. Thus, these organisms have developed high affinity iron uptake mechanisms to deal with metal deprivation imposed by the host. Siderophore production is one of the mechanisms that fungal pathogens employ for iron acquisition. Paracoccidioides spp. present orthologous genes encoding the enzymes necessary for the biosynthesis of hydroxamates, and plasma membrane proteins related to the transport of these molecules. All these genes are induced in iron deprivation. In addition, it has been observed that Paracoccidioides spp. are able to use siderophores to scavenge iron. Here we observed that addition of the xenosiderophore ferrioxamine B FOB) to P. brasiliensis culture medium results in repression (at RNA and protein levels) of the SidA, the first enzyme of the siderophore biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, SidA activity was reduced in the presence of FOB, suggesting that P. brasiliensis blocks siderophores biosynthesis and can explore siderophores in the environment to scavenge iron. In order to support the importance of siderophores on Paracoccidioides sp. life and infection cycle, silenced mutants for the sidA gene were obtained by antisense RNA technology. The obtained AsSidA strains displayed decreased siderophore biosynthesis in iron deprivation conditions and reduced virulence to an invertebrate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Garcia Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | - Juliana Santana de Curcio
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Mirelle Garcia Silva-Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Raisa Melo Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Aparecido Ferreira de Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | | | - Nicolau Sbaraini
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
| | - Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICB II, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO Brazil
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28
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Jarros IC, Veiga FF, Corrêa JL, Barros ILE, Gadelha MC, Voidaleski MF, Pieralisi N, Pedroso RB, Vicente VA, Negri M, Svidzinski TIE. Microbiological and virulence aspects of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:687-704. [PMID: 32536838 PMCID: PMC7290102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to characterize microbiologically clinical isolates of R. mucilaginosa isolated from colonization of a patient with chronic renal disease (CKD), as well as to evaluate their phylogeny, antifungal susceptibility, virulence, and pathogenicity in order to infer the potential to become a possible infective agent. For this study, two isolates of R. mucilaginosa from oral colonization of a CKD patient were isolated, identified and characterized by classical (genotypic and phenotypic) methods. Susceptibility to conventional antifungals was evaluated, followed by biofilm production, measured by different techniques (total biomass, metabolic activity, colony forming units and extracellular matrix quantification). Finally, the pathogenicity of yeast was evaluated by infection of Tenebrio molitor larvae. All isolates were resistant to azole and sensitive to polyenes and they were able to adhere and form biofilm on the abiotic surface of polystyrene. In general, similar profiles among isolates were observed over the observed periods (2, 24, 48 and 72 hours). Regarding extracellular matrix components of biofilms at different maturation ages, R. mucilaginosa was able to produce eDNA, eRNA, proteins, and polysaccharides that varied according to time and the strain. The death curve in vivo model showed a large reduction in the survival percentage of the larvae was observed in the first 24 hours, with only 40 % survival at the end of the evaluation. We infer that colonization of chronic renal patients by R. mucilaginosa offers a high risk of serious infection. And also emphasize that the correct identification of yeast is the main means for an efficient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Carrilho Jarros
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Flávia Franco Veiga
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jakeline Luiz Corrêa
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabella Letícia Esteves Barros
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marina Cristina Gadelha
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Morgana F. Voidaleski
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology, and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Neli Pieralisi
- Department of Dentistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Raissa Bocchi Pedroso
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vânia A. Vicente
- Postgraduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology, and Pathology, Biological Sciences, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Inez Estivalet Svidzinski
- Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analyses – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Terezinha Inez Estivalet Svidzinski, Division of Medical Mycology, Teaching and Research Laboratory in Clinical Analysis – Department of Clinical Analysis of State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, Av. Colombo, 5790 CEP: 87020-900, Maringá, PR., Brazil; Phone: +5544 3011-4809, Fax: +5544 3011-4860, E-mail: or
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29
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Cordeiro BMPC, Carvalho Junior AR, Santos JRA, Araújo AD, Silva AG, Correia MTS, Silva MV, Napoleão TH, Silva LCN, Santos NDL, Paiva PMG. Anticryptococcal activity of hexane extract from Spondias tuberosa Arruda and associated cellular events. J Mycol Med 2020; 30:100965. [PMID: 32307255 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2020.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis whose treatment is limited to three drugs. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of a hexane extract (HE) from Spondias tuberosa leaves against Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined, and putative mechanisms were evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition, an in vivo infection assay was performed using Tenebrio molitor larvae. Treatment with HE inhibited the growth of standard and clinical isolates of C. neoformans and C. gattii (MICs ranging from 0.78 to 3.12mg/mL), significantly (P<0.05) increased mitochondrial superoxide anion levels, and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, loss of lysosomal membrane integrity, and phosphatidylserine externalization. The mean survival time of C. gattii-infected T. molitor larvae significantly (P<0.05) increased from 1.225 days in control to 3.067 and 3.882 days in HE-treated groups (78 and 156mg/kg, respectively). In conclusion, HE showed anticryptococcal activity, induced mitochondrial and lysosomal damage in yeast cells, and exhibited anti-infective action against C. gattii in T. molitor larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M P C Cordeiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - A D Araújo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A G Silva
- Núcleo de Bioprospecção da Caatinga, Instituto Nacional do Semiárido, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil; Departamento de Antibióticos, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M T S Correia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M V Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioprospecção da Caatinga, Instituto Nacional do Semiárido, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - T H Napoleão
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - L C N Silva
- Universidade CEUMA, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - N D L Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - P M G Paiva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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TmPGRP-SA regulates Antimicrobial Response to Bacteria and Fungi in the Fat Body and Gut of Tenebrio molitor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062113. [PMID: 32204438 PMCID: PMC7139795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial immune response is mediated by a signal-transducing sensor, peptidoglycan recognition protein-SA (PGRP-SA), that can recognize non-self molecules. Although several studies have focused on the involvement of Drosophila PGRP-SA in antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression in response to infections, studies on its role in Tenebrio molitor are lacking. Here, we present a functional analysis of T. molitor PGRP-SA (TmPGRP-SA). In the absence of microbes, TmPGRP-SA was highly expressed in the late-larval fat body, followed by hemocytes, and gut. Interestingly, following Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans infections, the mRNA level of TmPGRP-SA was significantly upregulated in both the fat body and gut. TmPGRP-SA silencing had a significant effect on the mortality rates for all the microbes tested. Moreover, TmPGRP-SA is required for regulating the expression of eight AMP genes namely TmTenecin-1, -2, and -4; TmDefensin-1 and -2; TmColeoptericin-1; and TmAttacin-1b and -2 in the fat body in response to E. coli and S. aureus infections. TmPGRP-SA is essential for the transcription of TmTenecin-2, -4; TmDefensin-2; TmColeoptericin-1, -2; and TmAttacin-1a, -1b, and -2 in the gut upon E. coli and C. albicans infections. However, TmPGRP-SA does not regulate AMP expression in the hemocytes. Additionally, TmDorsal isoform X2, a downstream Toll transcription factor, was downregulated in TmPGRP-SA-silenced larval fat body following E. coli and S. aureus challenges, and in the gut following E. coli and C. albicans challenges.
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Two Roles for the Tenebrio molitor Relish in the Regulation of Antimicrobial Peptides and Autophagy-Related Genes in Response to Listeria monocytogenes. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11030188. [PMID: 32188156 PMCID: PMC7142762 DOI: 10.3390/insects11030188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Relish is a key NF-κB transcription factor of the immune-deficiency (Imd) pathway that combats infection by regulating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Understanding of the fundamental role of Tenebrio molitor Relish (TmRelish) in controlling of Listeria monocytogenes virulence through the regulation of both AMPs and autophagy-related (ATG) genes is unclear. Here, we show that TmRelish transcripts were highly abundant in the larval fat body and hemocytes compared to the gut upon L. monocytogenes infection. Furthermore, significant mortality was observed in TmRelish-silenced larvae after intracellular insult. To investigate the cause of this lethality, we measured the induction of AMPs and ATG genes in the TmRelish dsRNA-treated T. molitor larvae. The expression of TmTenecin-1, TmTenecin-4, TmColeptericin-1, TmAttacin-2, and TmCecropin-2 were suppressed in the fat body and hemocytes of dsTmRelish-injected larvae during L. monocytogenes infection. In addition, TmRelish knockdown led to a noticeable downregulation of TmATG1 (a serine-threonine protein kinase) in the fat body and hemocytes of young larvae 6 h post-infection (pi). The notable increase of autophagy genes in the early stage of infection (6 h pi), suggesting autophagy response is crucial for Listeria clearance. Taken together, these results suggest that TmRelish plays pivotal roles in not only regulation of AMP genes but also induction of autophagy genes in response to L. monocytogenes challenge in fat body and hemocytes of T. molitor larvae. Furthermore, negative regulation of several AMPs by TmRelish in the fat body, hemocytes, and gut leaves open the possibility of a crosstalk between Toll and Imd pathway.
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Products Derived from Buchenavia tetraphylla Leaves Have In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Protect Tenebrio molitor Larvae against Escherichia coli-Induced Injury. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13030046. [PMID: 32188166 PMCID: PMC7151707 DOI: 10.3390/ph13030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The relevance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of several diseases (including inflammatory disorders) has traditionally led to the search for new sources of antioxidant compounds. In this work, we report the selection of fractions with high antioxidant action from B. tetraphylla (BT) leaf extracts. In vitro methods (DPPH and ABTS assays; determination of phenolic and flavonoid contents) were used to select products derived from B. tetraphylla with high antioxidant action. Then, the samples with the highest potentials were evaluated in a model of injury based on the inoculation of a lethal dose of heat-inactivated Escherichia coli in Tenebrio molitor larvae. Due to its higher antioxidant properties, the methanolic extract (BTME) was chosen to be fractionated using Sephadex LH-20 column-based chromatography. Two fractions from BTME (BTFC and BTFD) were the most active fractions. Pre-treatment with these fractions protected larvae of T. molitor from the stress induced by inoculation of heat-inactivated E. coli. Similarly, BTFC and BTFD increased the lifespan of larvae infected with a lethal dose of enteroaggregative E. coli 042. NMR data indicated the presence of aliphatic compounds (terpenes, fatty acids, carbohydrates) and aromatic compounds (phenolic compounds). These findings suggested that products derived from B. tetraphylla leaves are promising candidates for the development of antioxidant and anti-infective agents able to treat oxidative-related dysfunctions.
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Lima BJFDS, Voidaleski MF, Gomes RR, Fornari G, Soares JMB, Bombassaro A, Schneider GX, Soley BDS, de Azevedo CDMPES, Menezes C, Moreno LF, Attili-Angelis D, Klisiowicz DDR, de Hoog S, Vicente VA. Selective isolation of agents of chromoblastomycosis from insect-associated environmental sources. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:194-204. [PMID: 32220380 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis is a neglected disease characterized by cutaneous, subcutaneous or disseminated lesions. It is considered an occupational infectious disease that affects mostly rural workers exposed to contaminated soil and vegetal matter. Lesions mostly arise after a traumatic inoculation of herpotrichiellaceous fungi from the Chaetothyriales order. However, the environmental niche of the agents of the disease remains obscure. Its association with insects has been predicted in a few studies. Therefore, the present work aimed to analyze if social insects, specifically ants, bees, and termites, provide a suitable habitat for the fungi concerned. The mineral oil flotation method was used to isolate the microorganisms. Nine isolates were recovered and phylogenetic analysis identified two strains as potential agents of chromoblastomycosis, i.e., Fonsecaea pedrosoi CMRP 3076, obtained from a termite nest (n = 1) and Rhinocladiella similis CMRP 3079 from an ant exoskeleton (n = 1). In addition, we also identified Fonsecaea brasiliensis CMRP 3445 from termites (n = 1), Exophiala xenobiotica CMRP 3077 from ant exoskeleton (n = 1), Cyphellophoraceae CMRP 3103 from bees (n = 1), Cladosporium sp. CMRP 3119 from bees (n = 1), Hawksworthiomyces sp. CMRP 3102 from termites (n = 1), and Cryptendoxyla sp. from termites (n = 2). The environmental isolate of F. pedrosoi CMRP 3076 was tested in two animal models, Tenebrio molitor and Wistar rat, for its pathogenic potential with fungal retention in T. molitor tissue. In the Wistar rat, the cells resembling muriform cells were observed 30 d after inoculation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgana Ferreira Voidaleski
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Renata Rodrigues Gomes
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Amanda Bombassaro
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Xavier Schneider
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Derlene Attili-Angelis
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, Brazil; Division of Microbial Resources, CPQBA, University of Campinas, Paulínia, Brazil.
| | - Débora do Rocio Klisiowicz
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud, University Medical Center, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Vânia Aparecida Vicente
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
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TmDorX2 positively regulates antimicrobial peptides in Tenebrio molitor gut, fat body, and hemocytes in response to bacterial and fungal infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16878. [PMID: 31728023 PMCID: PMC6856108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorsal, a member of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) family of transcription factors, is a critical downstream component of the Toll pathway that regulates the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against pathogen invasion. In this study, the full-length ORF of Dorsal was identified from the RNA-seq database of the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor (TmDorX2). The ORF of TmDorX2 was 1,482 bp in length, encoding a polypeptide of 493 amino acid residues. TmDorX2 contains a conserved Rel homology domain (RHD) and an immunoglobulin-like, plexins, and transcription factors (IPT) domain. TmDorX2 mRNA was detected in all developmental stages, with the highest levels observed in 3-day-old adults. TmDorX2 transcripts were highly expressed in the adult Malpighian tubules (MT) and the larval fat body and MT tissues. After challenging the larvae with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the TmDorX2 mRNA levels were upregulated 6 and 9 h post infection in the whole body, fat body, and hemocytes. Upon Candida albicans challenge, the TmDorX2 mRNA expression were found highest at 9 h post-infection in the fat body. In addition, TmDorX2-knockdown larvae exposed to E. coli, S. aureus, or C. albicans challenge showed a significantly increased mortality rate. Furthermore, the expression of 11 AMP genes was downregulated in the gut and fat body of dsTmDorX2-injected larvae upon E. coli challenge. After C. albicans and S. aureus challenge of dsTmDorX2-injected larvae, the expression of 11 and 10 AMPs was downregulated in the gut and fat body, respectively. Intriguingly, the expression of antifungal transcripts TmTenecin-3 and TmThaumatin-like protein-1 and -2 was greatly decreased in TmDorX2-silenced larvae in response to C. albicans challenge, suggesting that TmDorX2 regulates antifungal AMPs in the gut in response to C. albicans infection. The AMP expression profiles in the fat body, hemocytes, gut, and MTs suggest that TmDorX2 might have an important role in promoting the survival of T. molitor larvae against all mentioned pathogens.
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35
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Navarro MOP, Simionato AS, Pérez JCB, Barazetti AR, Emiliano J, Niekawa ETG, Andreata MFDL, Modolon F, Dealis ML, Araújo EJDA, Carlos TM, Scarpelim OJ, da Silva DB, Chryssafidis AL, Bruheim P, Andrade G. Fluopsin C for Treating Multidrug-Resistant Infections: In vitro Activity Against Clinically Important Strains and in vivo Efficacy Against Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2431. [PMID: 31708901 PMCID: PMC6824035 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms in hospital infections is causing a global public health crisis. The development of drugs with effective antibiotic action against such agents is of the highest priority. In the present study, the action of Fluopsin C against MDR clinical isolates was evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Fluopsin C was produced in cell suspension culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV strain, purified by liquid adsorption chromatography and identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Bioactivity, bacterial resistance development risk against clinically important pathogenic strains and toxicity in mammalian cell were initially determined by in vitro models. In vivo toxicity was evaluated in Tenebrio molitor larvae and mice. The therapeutic efficacy of intravenous Fluopsin C administration was evaluated in a murine model of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) acute sepsis, using six different treatments. The in vitro results indicated MIC and MBC below 2 μg/mL and low bacterial resistance development frequency. Electron microscopy showed that Fluopsin C may have altered the exopolysaccharide matrix and caused disruption of the cell wall of MDR bacteria. Best therapeutic results were achieved in mice treated with a single dose of 2 mg/kg and in mice treated with two doses of 1 mg/kg, 8 h apart. Furthermore, acute and chronic histopathological studies demonstrated absent nephrotoxicity and moderate hepatotoxicity. The results demonstrated the efficacy of Fluopsin C against MDR organisms in in vitro and in vivo models, and hence it can be a novel therapeutic agent for the control of severe MDR infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ane Stefano Simionato
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - André Riedi Barazetti
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Janaina Emiliano
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Erika Tyemi Goya Niekawa
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Fluvio Modolon
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Mickely Liuti Dealis
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Denise Brentan da Silva
- Biological and Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Andreas Lazaros Chryssafidis
- Veterinary Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Per Bruheim
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Galdino Andrade
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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An Invertebrate Host to Study Fungal Infections, Mycotoxins and Antifungal Drugs: Tenebrio molitor. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040125. [PMID: 30424549 PMCID: PMC6308941 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040125] [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: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Faced with ethical conflict and social pressure, researchers have increasingly chosen to use alternative models over vertebrates in their research. Since the innate immune system is evolutionarily conserved in insects, the use of these animals in research is gaining ground. This review discusses Tenebrio molitor as a potential model host for the study of pathogenic fungi. Larvae of T. molitor are known as cereal pests and, in addition, are widely used as animal and human feed. A number of studies on mechanisms of the humoral system, especially in the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, which have similar characteristics to vertebrates, have been performed. These studies demonstrate the potential of T. molitor larvae as a model host that can be used to study fungal virulence, mycotoxin effects, host immune responses to fungal infection, and the action of antifungal compounds.
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Fornari G, Gomes RR, Degenhardt-Goldbach J, Dos Santos SS, de Almeida SR, Dos Santos GD, Muro MD, Bona C, Scola RH, Trindade ES, Bini IH, Ferreira-Maba LS, Kestring DR, do Nascimento MMF, Lima BJFDS, Voidaleski MF, Steinmacher DA, Soley BDS, Deng S, Bocca AL, da Silva MB, Salgado CG, de Azevedo CMPES, Vicente VA, de Hoog S. A Model for Trans-Kingdom Pathogenicity in Fonsecaea Agents of Human Chromoblastomycosis. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2211. [PMID: 30356683 PMCID: PMC6189323 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal genus Fonsecaea comprises etiological agents of human chromoblastomycosis, a chronic implantation skin disease. The current hypothesis is that patients acquire the infection through an injury from plant material. The present study aimed to evaluate a model of infection in plant and animal hosts to understand the parameters of trans-kingdom pathogenicity. Clinical strains of causative agents of chromoblastomycosis (Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora) were compared with a strain of Fonsecaea erecta isolated from a living plant. The clinical strains of F. monophora and F. pedrosoi remained concentrated near the epidermis, whereas F. erecta colonized deeper plant tissues, resembling an endophytic behavior. In an invertebrate infection model with larvae of a beetle, Tenebrio molitor, F. erecta exhibited the lowest survival rates. However, F. pedrosoi produced dark, spherical to ovoidal cells that resembled muriform cells, the invasive form of human chromoblastomycosis confirming the role of muriform cells as a pathogenic adaptation in animal tissues. An immunologic assay in BALB/c mice demonstrated the high virulence of saprobic species in animal models was subsequently controlled via host higher immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheniffer Fornari
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Renata Rodrigues Gomes
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Suelen Silvana Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Pharmacological Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro Rogério de Almeida
- Department of Clinical and Pharmacological Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Germana Davila Dos Santos
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marisol Dominguez Muro
- Support and Diagnosis Unit, Mycology Laboratory, Hospital of Clinics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cleusa Bona
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Edvaldo S Trindade
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daiane Rigoni Kestring
- Embrapa Forestry, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Colombo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Morgana F Voidaleski
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Shuwen Deng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, People's Hospital of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anamelia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Dermato-Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Marituba, Brazil
| | - Moises B da Silva
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil, 13 Department of Medicine, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil
| | - Claudio G Salgado
- Dermato-Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Marituba, Brazil
| | | | - Vania Aparecida Vicente
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Medical Microbiology, People's Hospital of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Jiangsu, China.,Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Pacholska-Bogalska J, Szymczak M, Marciniak P, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Rosiński G. Heart mechanical and hemodynamic parameters of a beetle, Tenebrio molitor, at selected ages. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 99:e21474. [PMID: 29851138 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The physiological processes that occur during the aging of insects are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe the changes in contractile activity and hemodynamic parameters of the heart that take place as the coleopteran beetle, Tenebrio molitor, ages. The frequency of heart contractions in beetles that had just undergone metamorphosis (median 24.7 beats/min) was significantly lower than the frequency of heart contractions in older beetles. In 56% of beetles that were < 1 week of age, a pattern of contractile activity with alternating periods of higher and lower contraction frequency was detected, suggesting that some posteclosion developmental processes occur during the first week of adulthood. All beetles that were 1 week of age showed a regular rhythm of heart contractions (median 72 beats/min). In older beetles, abnormalities such as heart arrhythmias or heart arrest were observed. The incidence of arrhythmia as well as the arrhythmicity index was highest in beetles that were 8-18 weeks old. The calculated stroke volume (SV) was also found to increase from eclosion to 12 weeks of age, and then decreased as adults aged further. Interestingly, cardiac output increased gradually, but the ejection fraction did not change significantly with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland
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Zuza-Alves DL, Silva-Rocha WP, Chaves GM. An Update on Candida tropicalis Based on Basic and Clinical Approaches. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1927. [PMID: 29081766 PMCID: PMC5645804 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida tropicalis has emerged as one of the most important Candida species. It has been widely considered the second most virulent Candida species, only preceded by C. albicans. Besides, this species has been recognized as a very strong biofilm producer, surpassing C. albicans in most of the studies. In addition, it produces a wide range of other virulence factors, including: adhesion to buccal epithelial and endothelial cells; the secretion of lytic enzymes, such as proteinases, phospholipases, and hemolysins, bud-to-hyphae transition (also called morphogenesis) and the phenomenon called phenotypic switching. This is a species very closely related to C. albicans and has been easily identified with both phenotypic and molecular methods. In addition, no cryptic sibling species were yet described in the literature, what is contradictory to some other medically important Candida species. C. tropicalis is a clinically relevant species and may be the second or third etiological agent of candidemia, specifically in Latin American countries and Asia. Antifungal resistance to the azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins has already been described. Apart from all these characteristics, C. tropicalis has been considered an osmotolerant microorganism and this ability to survive to high salt concentration may be important for fungal persistence in saline environments. This physiological characteristic makes this species suitable for use in biotechnology processes. Here we describe an update of C. tropicalis, focusing on all these previously mentioned subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guilherme M. Chaves
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Mycology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Analysis of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto and Sporothrix brasiliensis virulence in Galleria mellonella. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 122:73-7. [PMID: 26826293 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The study of the host-pathogen interaction is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying adhesion, colonization and tissue damage by pathogens. This is usually achieved by performing in vivo studies using small mammals, such as rats, mice and guinea pigs. Nowadays, the mouse models of systemic or subcutaneous infection are the gold standard assays to analyze the virulence of members of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. There are, however, invertebrates that have been recently used as alternative hosts to assess the virulence of both bacteria and fungi, and among them, larvae of Galleria mellonella are popular because they are easy to breed, and require non-specialized facilities to maintain the colony. Here, we assessed the use of G. mellonella larvae to test the virulence of S. schenckii sensu stricto and Sporothrix brasiliensis strains, and found that infection with yeast-like cells, but not with conidia or germlings, reproduces the virulence data generated in the mouse model of infection. Furthermore, with this insect model we could classify the virulence of some strains as low, intermediate or high, in line with the observations in the mammalian model. Therefore, G. mellonella is suitable, and a new alternative, to test virulence of both S. schenckii sensu stricto and S. brasiliensis.
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