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Perini L, Mogrovejo DC, Tomazin R, Gostinčar C, Brill FHH, Gunde-Cimerman N. Phenotypes Associated with Pathogenicity: Their Expression in Arctic Fungal Isolates. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120600. [PMID: 31766661 PMCID: PMC6955883 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Around 85% of the environments on Earth are permanently or seasonally colder than 5 °C. Among those, the poles constitute unique biomes, which harbor a broad variety of microbial life, including an abundance of fungi. Many fungi have an outstanding ability to withstand extreme conditions and play vital ecosystem roles of decomposers as well as obligate or facultative symbionts of many other organisms. Due to their dispersal capabilities, microorganisms from cryosphere samples can be distributed around the world. Such dispersal involves both species with undefined pathogenicity and potentially pathogenic strains. Here we describe the isolation of fungal species from pristine Arctic locations in Greenland and Svalbard and the testing of the expression of characteristics usually associated with pathogenic species, such as growth at 37 °C, hemolytic ability, and susceptibility to antifungal agents. A total of 320 fungal isolates were obtained, and 24 of the most abundant and representative species were further analyzed. Species known as emerging pathogens, like Aureobasidium melanogenum, Naganishia albida, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, were able to grow at 37 °C, showed beta-hemolytic activity, and were intrinsically resistant to commonly used antifungals such as azoles and echinocandins. Antifungal resistance screening revealed a low susceptibility to voriconazole in N. albida and Penicillium spp. and to fluconazole in Glaciozyma watsonii and Glaciozyma-related taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Perini
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (C.G.); (N.G.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Diana C. Mogrovejo
- MicroArctic Research Group, Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Stiegstück 34, 22339 Hamburg, Germany; (D.C.M.); (F.H.H.B.)
| | - Rok Tomazin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (C.G.); (N.G.-C.)
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Florian H. H. Brill
- MicroArctic Research Group, Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Stiegstück 34, 22339 Hamburg, Germany; (D.C.M.); (F.H.H.B.)
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (C.G.); (N.G.-C.)
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Ghajari A, Lotfali E, Norouzi M, Arab-Mazar Z. First report of Vulvovaginitis due to Cryptococcus magnus in Iran. Curr Med Mycol 2018; 4:30-33. [PMID: 30186991 PMCID: PMC6101150 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.4.1.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cryptococcus. magnus is a non-Cryptococcus neoformans species isolated from certain plants, soil, air, and arctic glaciers. CASE REPORT This report describes a case of a 23-year-old Iranian female with pruritus and vaginal irritation. Conventional tests and molecular analysis of the samples of vaginal discharge were performed. The mentioned analyses revealed Cryptococcus magnus as the causative agent of vaginal infection. The minimum inhibitory concentration analysis revealed that this species is susceptible to itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B. The patient received 200 mg of oral ketoconazole once daily for 10 days. The patient did not show any clinical signs of vaginal infection after six months. CONCLUSION C. magnus was found to have the ability to cause vulvovaginitis. This is the first report of successful detection and treatment of vulvovaginal infection with C. magnus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghajari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Norouzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Arab-Mazar
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medial Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Evans SJM, Jones K, Moore AR. Atypical Morphology and Disparate Speciation in a Case of Feline Cryptococcosis. Mycopathologia 2017; 183:479-484. [PMID: 28756537 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A 6-year-old, spayed female cat was presented with acute respiratory signs and pleural effusion. Computed tomography scan revealed a large, lobulated mass effect in the ventral right hemithorax with concurrent sternal lymphadenopathy. A cytologic sample of the mass contained pyogranulomatous inflammation, necrotic material, and abundant yeast structures that lacked a distinct capsule and demonstrated rare pseudohyphal forms. Fungal culture and biochemical testing identified the yeast as Cryptococcus albidus, with susceptibility to all antifungal agents tested. However, subsequent 18S PCR identified 99% homology with a strain of Cryptococcus neoformans and only 92% homology with C. albidus. The patient responded well to fluconazole therapy unlike the only known previous report of C. albidus in a cat. The unusual cytologic morphology in this case underscores the need for ancillary testing apart from microscopy for fungal identification. Though C. albidus should be considered as a potential feline pathogen, confirmation with PCR is recommended when such rare non-neoformans species are encountered.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J M Evans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Colorado State University, 1644 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1644, USA.
| | - K Jones
- Virginia Veterinary Specialists, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - A R Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Colorado State University, 1644 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1644, USA
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Varga I, Poczai P, Cernák I, Hyvönen J. Application of direct PCR in rapid rDNA ITS haplotype determination of the hyperparasitic fungus Sphaeropsis visci (Botryosphaeriaceae). SPRINGERPLUS 2014; 3:569. [PMID: 25332869 PMCID: PMC4193967 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The plant pathogenic fungus, Sphaeropsis visci a dark-spored species of Botryosphaeriaceae, which causes the leaf spot disease of the European mistletoe (Viscum album). This species seems to have potential as a tool for biological control of the hemiparasite. For the rapid detection of S. visci haplotypes we tested a direct PCR assay without prior DNA purification. This approach was based on a polymerase enzyme from the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus engineered by fusion protein technology, which linked the polymerase domain to a sequence non-specific DNA binding protein (Sso7d). FINDINGS Most isolates of Sphaeropsis visci grouped together in our phylogenetic analyses, indicating that isolates had a previously reported haplotype sequence, which is commonly found in the analyzed Hungarian population. This haplotype was also reported from diseased mistletoe bushes from other European countries. We further identified unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ITS region, which were specific to the only well resolved clade in the phylogenetic analysis. CONCLUSIONS The diPCR approach allowed amplification of ITS rRNA gene directly from small amounts of fungal samples without prior DNA extraction. This simple bioassay in plant disease management enables collection of genomic data from fungal plant pathogen populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Varga
- />Plant Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Péter Poczai
- />Plant Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
- />Botanical Museum, University of Helsinki, PO Box 7, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - István Cernák
- />Potato Research Centre, Centre of Agricultural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Festetics u. 7, Keszthely, H-8360 Hungary
| | - Jaakko Hyvönen
- />Plant Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
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Danesi P, Furnari C, Granato A, Schivo A, Otranto D, Capelli G, Cafarchia C. Molecular identity and prevalence of Cryptococcus spp. nasal carriage in asymptomatic feral cats in Italy. Med Mycol 2014; 52:667-73. [PMID: 25082953 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal disease that infects humans and animals worldwide. Inhalation of fungal particles from an environmental source can cause primary infection of the respiratory system. As animals can be considered a sentinel for human diseases, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and molecular identity of Cryptococcus spp. in the nasal cavity of feral cats. Cats from 162 urban and rural feral cat colonies were sampled over 3 years. Of 766 cats from which nasal swabs were obtained, Cryptococcus spp. were recovered from 95 (12.6%), including 37 C. magnus (4.8%), 16 C. albidus (2.0%), 15 C. carnescens (1.9%), 12 C. neoformans (1.6%), as well as C. oeirensis (n = 3), C. victoriae (n = 3), C. albidosimilis (n = 2), Filobasidium globisporum (n = 2), C. adeliensis (n = 1), C. flavescens (n = 1), C. dimnae (n = 1), C. saitoi (n = 1), and C. wieringae (n = 1) with prevalence <1%. Thirteen Cryptococcus species were identified by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer amplicons. Statistical analysis did not identify any predisposing factors that contributed to nasal colonization (eg, sex, age, season, or habitat). Results suggest that asymptomatic feral cats may carry C. neoformans and other Cryptococcus species in their sinonasal cavity. Genotyping of the specific cryptococcal isolates provides a better understanding of the epidemiology of these yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km, 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Carmelo Furnari
- Veterinary regional district service ULSS 20, Local Public Health and Social Authority of Veneto Region, Via di Campo Marzo 20, 37133, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Granato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Schivo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km, 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudia Cafarchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km, 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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Danesi P, Firacative C, Cogliati M, Otranto D, Capelli G, Meyer W. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and M13 PCR fingerprinting revealed heterogeneity amongstCryptococcusspecies obtained from Italian veterinary isolates. FEMS Yeast Res 2014; 14:897-909. [DOI: 10.1111/1567-1364.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Danesi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie; Legnaro Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Bari; Bari Italy
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory; Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity; The University of Sydney; Westmead Millennium Institute; Sydney NSW Australia
- Grupo de Microbiología; Instituto Nacional de Salud; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Massimo Cogliati
- Laboratorio di Micologia Medica; Istituto di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Bari; Bari Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie; Legnaro Italy
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory; Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity; The University of Sydney; Westmead Millennium Institute; Sydney NSW Australia
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Pennisi MG, Hartmann K, Lloret A, Ferrer L, Addie D, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hosie MJ, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Möstl K, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Horzinek MC. Cryptococcosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:611-8. [PMID: 23813826 PMCID: PMC11148960 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13489224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Cryptococcosis is worldwide the most common systemic fungal disease in cats; it is caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans- Cryptococcus gattii species complex, which includes eight genotypes and some subtypes (strains) with varying geographical distribution, pathogenicity and antimicrobial susceptibility. Cats acquire the infection from a contaminated environment. The prognosis is favourable in most cases, provided a diagnosis is obtained sufficiently early and prolonged treatment is maintained. INFECTION Basidiospores are the infectious propagules of Cryptococcus species as they penetrate the respiratory system and induce primary infection. Asymptomatic colonisation of the respiratory tract is more common than clinical disease. Avian guanos, particularly pigeon droppings, offer favourable conditions for the reproduction of C neoformans. Both Cryptococcus species are associated with decaying vegetation. DISEASE SIGNS Cryptococcosis caused by C neoformans or C gattii is indistinguishable clinically. The disease can present in nasal, central nervous system (which can derive from the nasal form or occur independently), cutaneous and systemic forms. DIAGNOSIS An easy and reliable test for cryptococcosis diagnosis is antigen detection in body fluids. Only isolation and polymerase chain reaction allow identification of the species genotype. DISEASE MANAGEMENT Amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and itraconazole have all been used to treat cats. Surgical excision of any nodules in the skin, nasal or oral mucosa assists recovery. Continued treatment is recommended until the antigen test is negative. PREVENTION Efficient preventive measures have not been demonstrated. Vaccines are not available.
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Sipiczki M. Detection of yeast species also occurring in substrates associated with animals and identification of a novel dimorphic species in Verbascum flowers from Georgia. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2012; 103:567-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-012-9841-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kano R, Ishida R, Nakane S, Sekiguchi M, Hasegawa A, Kamata H. The first reported case of canine subcutaneous Cryptococcus flavescens infection. Mycopathologia 2011; 173:179-82. [PMID: 21964623 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9479-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the first documented case of subcutaneous infection due to Cryptococcus flavescens in a dog. The chief symptoms of the patient dog were abscessed lesions on the dorsal muzzle, right eyelid, and lower jaw. Biopsy specimens from the lesions on the dorsal muzzle and lower jaw showed pyogranulomatous inflammation with numerous yeast cells. The patient dog was diagnosed with a subcutaneous fungal infection and orally received 5 mg/kg itraconazole once a day for 2 months, the abscesses disappeared. After 1 month at the end of treatment, the skin lesions did not redevelop. Isolates from the biopsy specimens were identified as C. flavescens by molecular analysis as well as morphologic and biochemical examination, indicating that C. flavescens is a potential canine pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kano
- Department of Pathobiology, Nihon University School of Veterinary Medicine, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Abstract
Disease summary Cryptococcosis, principally caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, is the most common systemic mycosis of cats worldwide. Cats may be infected following inhalation of spores from the environment, with the nasal cavity suspected as being the initial site of colonization and subsequent infection. Other sites of infection in cats are the skin, lungs, lymph nodes, central nervous system (CNS), eyes and, occasionally, periarticular connective tissue. Cryptococcosis can be diagnosed using serology (antigen testing), cytologic examination of smears, histopathology or culture. Treatment of localized disease is generally successful using azole antifungal drugs; however, cats with CNS involvement or disseminated disease require additional treatment with amphotericin B, with or without flucytosine. The prognosis is variable, depending on host and pathogen factors. Some cats require long-term (>1 year) treatment or indefinite therapy. Patient group Cats of any breed, gender and age may be affected. Retroviral status does not appear to be a risk factor for developing cryptococcosis and indoor cats are not protected from disease. Global importance Feline cryptococcosis occurs worldwide, but is most frequently reported in Australia, western Canada and the western United States. Species and molecular type vary in different geographical regions and may affect clinical presentation and antifungal susceptibility patterns. Clinical challenges Serologic tests that detect cryptococcal antigen in serum are sensitive and specific, but false negatives can occur in cats with localized disease. Long-term drug therapy can be expensive and has the potential for toxicity. The extent to which the pathogenicity and antifungal susceptibility is affected by molecular type is currently under study. Evidence base This review draws on recent literature relating to epidemiology, CNS involvement and advanced diagnostic imaging to update clinicians regarding research findings relevant to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer R Trivedi
- Animal Surgical and Emergency Center, 1535 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, B22, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Center for infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney Medical School — Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Lester SJ, Malik R, Bartlett KH, Duncan CG. Cryptococcosis: update and emergence of Cryptococcus gattii. Vet Clin Pathol 2011; 40:4-17. [PMID: 21244455 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2010.00281.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that occurs throughout the world. Recent reclassification of Cryptococcus species along with a change in the distribution pattern has prompted reevaluation of the organism and the diseases caused by this pathogen. This review highlights the emergence of Cryptococcus gattii as a primary pathogen in North America and summarizes our current understanding of the disease in mammals and birds.
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Otterholt E, Charnock C. Microbial quality and nutritional aspects of Norwegian brand waters. Int J Food Microbiol 2010; 144:455-63. [PMID: 21095035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The microbiological quality of the five leading brands of Norwegian bottled still waters was investigated. All brands were free for the enteric indicator organisms and named pathogens whose absence is demanded in current quality directives. The relatively nutrient-poor agar R₂A revealed large heterogeneous bacterial populations which grew slowly, or not at all, on clinical media specified for use in substrate-utilization approaches to identification. The main approach used for identification was cultivation of microbes on R₂A, followed by amplification and partial sequencing of 16S rDNA genes. The identity of the heterotrophic plate count of the brands differed significantly to that found in many other similar studies with respect to the dominating species. The bacterial flora was dominated by beta- and alphaproteobacteria most of which were psychrotolerant. Several brands contained Sphingomonas and large populations of Methylobacterium species which have been associated with a variety of opportunistic infections of immunocompromised hosts. Analysis of the isolated strains' nutritional capabilities using the Biolog GN2® system, gave in most instances low positive scores, and strain identifications using the system were generally inconclusive. Measures of assimilable organic carbon in the water revealed that some brands contained levels higher than those which have been associated with biological stability and restricted or no growth of heterotrophs in distribution systems. The relationship between assimilable organic carbon and R₂A plate counts was significant and moderately positive for bottled waters. Assimilable organic carbon correlated strongly with the survival time of Escherichia coli when introduced into bottles as a contaminant. Those brands having high values (~100 μg/L) supported protracted survival, but not growth of E. coli, whereas E. coli quickly became nonculturable in brands with low values. Thus measures of assimilable organic carbon may have a particular value in predicting the survival of this and nutritionally similar species of hygienic relevance. Only small numbers of fungi were found. However, one isolate (Aureobasidium pullulans) has been associated with infections of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Otterholt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo University College, Norway
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13
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Sidrim JJC, Costa AKF, Cordeiro RA, Brilhante RSN, Moura FEA, Castelo-Branco DSCM, Neto MPDA, Rocha MFG. Molecular methods for the diagnosis and characterization of Cryptococcus: a review. Can J Microbiol 2010; 56:445-58. [PMID: 20657615 DOI: 10.1139/w10-030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, with Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii as the primary pathogenic species. This disease is a threat to immunocompromised patients, especially those who have AIDS. However, the disease has also been described in healthy individuals. The tests used to identify these microorganisms have limitations that make final diagnosis difficult. However, currently there are specific gene sequences that can be used to detect C. neoformans and C. gattii from clinical specimens and cultures. These sequences can be used for identification, typing, and the study of population genetics. Among the main identification techniques are hybridization, which was the pioneer in molecular identification and development of specific probes for pathogen detection; PCR and other PCR-based methods, particularly nested PCR and multiplex PCR; and sequencing of specific genomic regions that are amplified through PCR, which is especially useful for diagnosis of cryptococcosis caused by unconventional Cryptococcus sp. Concerning microorganism typing, the following techniques have shown the best ability to differentiate between fungal serotypes and molecular types: PCR fingerprinting, PCR-RFLP, AFLP, and MLST. Thus, the accumulation of data generated by molecular methods can have a positive impact on monitoring resistant strains and treating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Poth T, Seibold M, Werckenthin C, Hermanns W. First report of aCryptococcus magnusinfection in a cat. Med Mycol 2010; 48:1000-4. [DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2010.489584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Khan Z, Mokaddas E, Ahmad S, Burhamah MHA. Isolation of Cryptococcus magnus and Cryptococcus chernovii from nasal cavities of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Med Mycol 2010; 49:439-43. [PMID: 20979444 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2010.530696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the isolation of Cryptococcus magnus and Cryptococcus chernovii in cultures inoculated with nasal specimens of pediatric cancer patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The phenotypic characteristics of the isolates are described and their identity confirmed by sequencing of rDNA. Both species were resistant to caspofungin, anidulafungin, 5-flucytosine and itraconazole, but susceptible to amphotericin B, posaconazole and voriconazole. To the best of our knowledge, the isolation of these two species from nasal cavities has not been reported previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziauddin Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait-13110.
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Kano R, Kitagawat M, Oota S, Oosumi T, Murakami Y, Tokuriki M, Hasegawa A. First case of feline systemicCryptococcus albidusinfection. Med Mycol 2008; 46:75-7. [PMID: 17885946 DOI: 10.1080/13693780701541106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper, as best as the authors can determine, is the first to describe a documented case of systemic infection caused by Cryptococcus albidus in a cat. The patient had a history of paralysis of the hind legs and had been treated with prednisone for 1 month. Microscopic examination of a fine needle biopsy specimen from a right popliteal lymph node showed granulomatous inflammation with many encapsulated yeast cells. Moreover, microscopic examination of Indian ink preparations of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed encapsulated ovoid yeast cells. Thus this case was diagnosed to be cryptococcosis. However, the cat died after treatment for three days with voriconazole. Isolates recovered from samples of the cerebrospinal fluid, liver and spleen were identified as C. albidus by molecular analysis, as well as through morphologic and biochemical studies. Therefore, this case indicates that C. albidus should be considered as a potential feline pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kano
- Department of Pathobiology, Nihon University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa Kanagawa 252-8510, Japan.
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2004; 21:1317-24. [PMID: 15586969 DOI: 10.1002/yea.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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