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Glushakova A, Kachalkin A. Wild and partially synanthropic bird yeast diversity, in vitro virulence, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis strains isolated from feces. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:883-897. [PMID: 37874524 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00437-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Yeast complexes in the fecal samples of wild (Dendrocopos major, Picus viridis) and partially synanthropic (Bombycilla garrulus, Garrulus glandarius, Pica pica, and Pyrrhula pyrrhula) birds were studied in a forest ecosystem during winter. A total of 18 yeast species were identified: 16 ascomycetes and two basidiomycetes belonging to five subphyla of fungi: Saccharomycotina (15), Pezizomycotina (1), Agaricomycotina (1), and Pucciniomycotina (1). Most yeast species were found in the fecal samples of P. pyrrhula (Candida parapsilosis, C. zeylanoides, Debaryomyces hansenii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Meyerozyma carpophila, M. guilliermondii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa); the lowest number of yeast species was observed in the feces of B. garrulus (C. parapsilosis, C. zeylanoides, Met. pulcherrima, and Rh. mucilaginosa). The opportunistic species of the genus Candida were found only in feces of partially synanthropic birds: C. parapsilosis was observed in the feces of B. garrulus, G. glandarius, P. pica, and P. pyrrhula; its relative abundance was 69.3%, 49.1%, 10.5%, and 1.1%, respectively; C. tropicalis was observed in the feces of P. pica and G. glandarius; its relative abundance was 54.6% and 7.1%, respectively. Strains of C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis isolated from the feces of partially synanthropic birds were evaluated for their susceptibility to conventional antifungal agents (fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B) and hydrolytic activity. A total of 160 strains were studied. Resistance to fluconazole was detected in 86.8% of C. parapsilosis strains and in 87% of C. tropicalis strains; resistance to voriconazole was detected in 71.7% of C. parapsilosis and in 66.7% of C. tropicalis strains, and the lowest percentage of resistant strains was detected to amphotericin B, 2.8% and 3.7% in C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis strains, respectively. Multiresistance was detected in one strain of C. parapsilosis isolated from P. pica feces and in one strain of C. tropicalis isolated from G. glandarius feces. Phospholipase and hemolysin activities in the strains of C. parapsilosis were low (mean Pz values of 0.93 and 0.91, respectively); protease activity was moderate (mean Pz value of 0.53). The ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes was higher in the isolated strains of C. tropicalis. The mean Pz values of phospholipase and hemolysin activities were moderate (mean Pz values of 0.63 and 0.60, respectively), whereas protease activity was high (mean Pz value of 0.32). Thus, wild and partially synanthropic birds play an important role in disseminating of various yeast species. These yeasts can enter the topsoil via feces and contribute to the formation of allochthonous and uneven soil yeast diversity in natural ecosystems. In addition, partially synanthropic birds can be vectors of virulent strains of opportunistic Candida species from urban environments to natural biotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Glushakova
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
- I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, Moscow, 105064, Russia.
| | - Aleksey Kachalkin
- Soil Science Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russia
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of RAS, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
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Serna-Espinosa BN, Forero-Castro M, Morales-Puentes ME, Parra-Giraldo CM, Escandón P, Sánchez-Quitian ZA. First report of environmental isolation of Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from Boyacá, Colombia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15755. [PMID: 37735454 PMCID: PMC10514045 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cryptococcus genus comprises more than 100 species, of which C. neoformans and C. gattii are the leading cause of cryptococcosis. The distribution of C. gattii and C. neoformans species complexes has been extensively studied and widely reported globally. Other species such as Naganishia albida, Papiliotrema laurentii, and Papiliotrema flavescens have been reported as pathogenic yeasts. Since there are no reports of environmental isolation in the Boyacá region (Colombia), this study aimed to isolate and characterize Cryptococcus and Cryptococcus-like yeasts from pigeon feces, Eucalyptus, and olive trees distributed in the municipalities of Tunja and Ricaute Alto. The environmental data was recovered, and the isolations obtained were identified by microscopy, biochemical test, MALDI-TOF MS, URA5-RFLP, and sequencing of the ITS and LSU loci. For the 93 pigeon dropping samples collected in Tunja, 23 yielded to C. neoformans, 3 to N. globosa, 2 N. albida and 1 to P. laurentii. Of the 1188 samples collected from olive trees, 17 (1.43%) positive samples were identified as C. gattii species complex (4), C. neoformans species complex (2), P. laurentii (3), N. albida (2), N. globosa (5) and P. flavescens (1). Likewise, specimens of C. neoformans presented molecular type VNI and molecular type VNII; for C. gattii the molecular types found were VGIII and one VGIV by URA5-RFLP but VGIII by MALDI-TOF and sequencing of the ITS and LSU. Therefore, it can be concluded that the species of Cryptococcus, Naganishia and Papiliotrema genera, are present in the environment of Boyacá, and show a predilection for climate conditions that are typical of this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briggith-Nathalia Serna-Espinosa
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Avenida Central del Norte 39-115, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Maribel Forero-Castro
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Avenida Central del Norte 39-115, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - María Eugenia Morales-Puentes
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Avenida Central del Norte 39-115, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Marcela Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, 110231, Colombia
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Calle 26 # 51-20, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Zilpa Adriana Sánchez-Quitian
- Grupo de Investigación Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Departamento de Biología y Microbiología, Universidad de Boyacá, Carrera 2ª Este No. 64-169, Tunja, Boyacá, Colombia.
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Talazadeh F, Ghorbanpoor M, Shahriyari A. Candidiasis in Birds (Galliformes, Anseriformes, Psittaciformes, Passeriformes, and Columbiformes): A Focus on Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida albicans and Non-albicans Isolates in Avian Clinical Specimens. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 46:100598. [PMID: 34700027 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species which has been reported in most domestic and wild birds and mammals. In this study, 196 samples from different species of birds with suspected symptoms of candidiasis were examined. Pharyngeal swabs, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples were taken from the birds. The samples were cultured in sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) containing cycloheximide and chloramphenicol and incubated at 42°C. Suspected isolates of Candida were identified using PCR. To detect the candida genus, a primer set to target the candida rDNA (ITS1-ITS4) was selected. To detect Candida albicans (C albicans), a primer set to target cytochrome P-450 lanosterol-a-demethylase (P450-LIAl) gene (DH-1558) was selected. In direct microscopic observation and culture, 28.57% of the birds were suspected of candidiasis. In the molecular study, candidiasis was confirmed in 25% of the birds, and candidiasis caused by C albicans was confirmed in 14.28% of the birds. All isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility by the disk diffusion method with glucose-enriched Mueller-Hinton Agar. 78.5% of the isolates were sensitive to nystatin and amphotericin B. None of the isolates were sensitive to itraconazole and more than 50% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole. According to the results, it is suggested to use nystatin and amphotericin B in the treatment of avian candidiasis in the Ahvaz region. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the molecular detection and antifungal susceptibility pattern of C albicans and non- albicans from Galliformes, Anseriformes, Psittaciformes, and Passeriformes in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Talazadeh
- Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Masoud Ghorbanpoor
- Professor, Department of pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Shahriyari
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Haelewaters D, Urbina H, Brown S, Newerth-Henson S, Aime MC. Isolation and Molecular Characterization of the Romaine Lettuce Phylloplane Mycobiome. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:277. [PMID: 33917072 PMCID: PMC8067711 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an important staple of American agriculture. Unlike many vegetables, romaine lettuce is typically consumed raw. Phylloplane microbes occur naturally on plant leaves; consumption of uncooked leaves includes consumption of phylloplane microbes. Despite this fact, the microbes that naturally occur on produce such as romaine lettuce are for the most part uncharacterized. In this study, we conducted culture-based studies of the fungal romaine lettuce phylloplane community from organic and conventionally grown samples. In addition to an enumeration of all such microbes, we define and provide a discussion of the genera that form the "core" romaine lettuce mycobiome, which represent 85.5% of all obtained isolates: Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Filobasidium, Naganishia, Papiliotrema, Rhodotorula, Sampaiozyma, Sporobolomyces, Symmetrospora and Vishniacozyma. We highlight the need for additional mycological expertise in that 23% of species in these core genera appear to be new to science and resolve some taxonomic issues we encountered during our work with new combinations for Aureobasidiumbupleuri and Curvibasidium nothofagi. Finally, our work lays the ground for future studies that seek to understand the effect these communities may have on preventing or facilitating establishment of exogenous microbes, such as food spoilage microbes and plant or human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Haelewaters
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (H.U.); (S.B.); (S.N.-H.)
| | - Hector Urbina
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (H.U.); (S.B.); (S.N.-H.)
- Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Samuel Brown
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (H.U.); (S.B.); (S.N.-H.)
| | - Shannon Newerth-Henson
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (H.U.); (S.B.); (S.N.-H.)
| | - M. Catherine Aime
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (H.U.); (S.B.); (S.N.-H.)
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Florek M, Nawrot U, Korzeniowska-Kowal A, Włodarczyk K, Wzorek A, Woźniak-Biel A, Brzozowska M, Galli J, Bogucka A, Król J. An analysis of the population of Cryptococcus neoformans strains isolated from animals in Poland, in the years 2015-2019. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6639. [PMID: 33758319 PMCID: PMC7987961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi belonging to the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. gattii species complex (CNGSC) are pathogens causing severe infections in humans and animals, that for humans may result in a mortality rate ranging up to 70%. The CNGSC is divided into eight major molecular types, that may differ in their virulence and susceptibility. In order to fully understand the epidemiology of cryptococcosis, it is important to study the world distribution and population structure of these pathogens. The present study is the first presenting a population of strains isolated in Poland and one of the few using a multi-species animal group as a source of the specimen. The pathogen was present in 2.375% of the tested animals. The URA5-RFLP and MALDI-TOF MS analyses have revealed that the population consisted exclusively of C. neoformans strains, with a predominance of major molecular type VNIV (C. neoformans var. neoformans). The MALDI-TOF MS was used to perform the CNGSC strains identification on both the species and sub-species level. Despite the fact that the animals providing the specimens were not treated with 5-fluorocytosine, around 10% of the tested population presented MIC values exceeding 64 mg/L, indicating the existence of the 5-fluorocytosine-resistant strains in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Florek
- Department of Pathology, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Urszula Nawrot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Korzeniowska-Kowal
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Włodarczyk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska 211a, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Wzorek
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Woźniak-Biel
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 45, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Brzozowska
- Referral Animal Hospital Strömsholm, Djursjukhusvägen 11, 73494, Strömsholm, Sweden
| | - Józef Galli
- Veterinary Laboratory Vetlab, Wodzisławska 6, 52-017, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka
- Veterinary Laboratory Vetlab, Wodzisławska 6, 52-017, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jarosław Król
- Department of Pathology, The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wrocław, Poland
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Farrer RA, Borman AM, Inkster T, Fisher MC, Johnson EM, Cuomo CA. Genomic epidemiology of a Cryptococcus neoformans case cluster in Glasgow, Scotland, 2018. Microb Genom 2021; 7:mgen000537. [PMID: 33620303 PMCID: PMC8190611 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, a cluster of two cases of cryptococcosis occurred at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, Scotland (UK). It was postulated that these cases may have been linked to pigeon droppings found on the hospital site, given there have been previous reports of Cryptococcus neoformans associated with pigeon guano. Although some samples of pigeon guano taken from the site yielded culturable yeast from genera related to Cryptococcus, they have since been classified as Naganishia or Papiliotrema spp., and no isolates of C. neoformans were recovered from either the guano or subsequent widespread air sampling. In an attempt to further elucidate any possible shared source of the clinical isolates, we used whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to examine the relationship of the two Cryptococcus isolates from the QEUH cases, along with two isolates from sporadic cases treated at a different Glasgow hospital earlier in 2018. Our work demonstrated that these four clinical isolates were not clonally related; while all isolates were from the VNI global lineage and of the same mating type (MATα), the genotypes of the two QEUH isolates were separated by 1885 base changes and belonged to different sub-lineages, recently described as the intercontinental sub-clades VNIa-93 and VNIa-5. In contrast, one of the two sporadic 2018 clinical isolates was determined to belong to the VNIb sub-lineage and the other classified as a VNIV/VNI hybrid. Our work demonstrated that the two 2018 QEUH isolates and the two prior C. neoformans clinical isolates were all genetically distinct. It was not possible to determine whether the QEUH genotypes stemmed from independent sources or from the same source, i.e. pigeons carrying different genotypes, but it should be noted that whilst members of allied genera within the Tremellomycetes were isolated from the hospital environment, there were no environmental isolations of C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys A. Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
- Public Health England National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Teresa Inkster
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
- Public Health England National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
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Coelho C, Farrer RA. Pathogen and host genetics underpinning cryptococcal disease. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2020; 105:1-66. [PMID: 32560785 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a severe fungal disease causing 220,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis yearly. The etiological agents of cryptococcosis are taxonomically grouped into at least two species complexes belonging to the genus Cryptococcus. All of these yeasts are environmentally ubiquitous fungi (often found in soil, leaves and decaying wood, tree hollows, and associated with bird feces especially pigeon guano). Infection in a range of animals including humans begins following inhalation of spores or aerosolized yeasts. Recent advances provide fundamental insights into the factors from both the pathogen and its hosts which influence pathogenesis and disease. The complex interactions leading to disease in mammalian hosts have also updated from the availability of better genomic tools and datasets. In this review, we discuss recent genetic research on Cryptococcus, covering the epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of Cryptococcus pathogenic species. We also discuss the insights into the host immune response obtained from the latest genetic modified host models as well as insights from monogenic disorders in humans. Finally we highlight outstanding questions that can be answered in the near future using bioinformatics and genomic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Coelho
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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ABULREESH HUSSEINH, ORGANJI SAMEERR, ELBANNA KHALED, OSMAN GAMALE, ALMALKI MESHALH, ABDEL-MALEK AHMEDY, GHYATHUDDIN ABDULLAHA, AHMAD IQBAL. Diversity, Virulence Factors, and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Pathogenic and Opportunistic Yeast Species in Rock Pigeon ( Columba livia) Fecal Droppings in Western Saudi Arabia. Pol J Microbiol 2019; 68:493-504. [PMID: 31880893 PMCID: PMC7260702 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2019-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird fecal matter is considered a potential source of pathogenic microbes such as yeast species that contaminate the environment. Therefore, it needs to be scrutinized to assess potential environmental health risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of the yeasts in pigeon fecal droppings, their antifungal susceptibility patterns, and virulence factors. We used culturing techniques to detect the yeasts in pigeon fecal droppings. The isolates were then characterized based on colony morphologies, microscopic examinations, and biochemical reactions. The molecular identification of all yeast isolates was performed by sequencing of the amplified ITS gene. Genes encoding virulence factors CAP1, CAP59, and PLB were also detected. Antifungal susceptibility patterns were examined by the disk diffusion method. A total of 46 yeast-like isolates were recovered, and they belonged to nine different genera, namely, Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Candida, Meyerozyma, Cyberlindnera, Rhodosporidium, Millerozyma, and Lodderomyces. The prevalence of two genera Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula was high. None of the yeast isolates exhibited any resistance to the antifungal drugs tested; however, all pathogenic Cryptococcus species were positive for virulence determinants like urease activity, growth at 37°C, melanin production, the PLB and CAP genes. This is the first report on the molecular diversity of yeast species, particularly, Cryptococcus species and their virulence attributes in pigeon fecal droppings in Saudi Arabia. Bird fecal matter is considered a potential source of pathogenic microbes such as yeast species that contaminate the environment. Therefore, it needs to be scrutinized to assess potential environmental health risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of the yeasts in pigeon fecal droppings, their antifungal susceptibility patterns, and virulence factors. We used culturing techniques to detect the yeasts in pigeon fecal droppings. The isolates were then characterized based on colony morphologies, microscopic examinations, and biochemical reactions. The molecular identification of all yeast isolates was performed by sequencing of the amplified ITS gene. Genes encoding virulence factors CAP1, CAP59, and PLB were also detected. Antifungal susceptibility patterns were examined by the disk diffusion method. A total of 46 yeast-like isolates were recovered, and they belonged to nine different genera, namely, Cryptococcus, Saccharomyces, Rhodotorula, Candida, Meyerozyma, Cyberlindnera, Rhodosporidium, Millerozyma, and Lodderomyces. The prevalence of two genera Cryptococcus and Rhodotorula was high. None of the yeast isolates exhibited any resistance to the antifungal drugs tested; however, all pathogenic Cryptococcus species were positive for virulence determinants like urease activity, growth at 37°C, melanin production, the PLB and CAP genes. This is the first report on the molecular diversity of yeast species, particularly, Cryptococcus species and their virulence attributes in pigeon fecal droppings in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- HUSSEIN H. ABULREESH
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - SAMEER R. ORGANJI
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - KHALED ELBANNA
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - GAMAL E.H. OSMAN
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Microbial Genetics Department, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Giza, Egypt
| | - MESHAL H.K. ALMALKI
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Research Laboratories Center, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - AHMED Y. ABDEL-MALEK
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - ABDULLAH A.K. GHYATHUDDIN
- Fakieh Poultry Farms, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - IQBAL AHMAD
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
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Rosario Medina I, Román Fuentes L, Batista Arteaga M, Real Valcárcel F, Acosta Arbelo F, Padilla Del Castillo D, Déniz Suárez S, Ferrer Quintana O, Vega Gutiérrez B, Silva Sergent F, Acosta-Hernández B. Pigeons and their droppings as reservoirs of Candida and other zoonotic yeasts. Rev Iberoam Micol 2017; 34:211-214. [PMID: 28720316 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of pigeons as reservoirs and carriers of Cryptococcus neoformans and other species of this genus is well-known; however, less is known about their role as reservoirs and carriers of other yeasts that impact public health. AIMS The present study was performed on Gran Canaria Island to define yeasts other than Cryptococcus spp. that have been reported to impact public health and which could be carried by pigeons. METHODS Samples were obtained from 83 pigeon lofts (Columba livia); moreover, 331 crop samples, 331 cloacal samples and 174 dropping samples were collected. In addition, 17 dropping samples were taken from a total of 17 public squares. Samples were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. RESULTS Different yeast species, i.e. Candida guilliermondii (24.36%), Candida kefyr (1.21%), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2.43%), and Trichosporon asahii (1.21%) were isolated for the first time from the cloaca. The most frequently isolated yeast from the crop, cloaca and dropping samples from lofts was C. guilliermondii (30.46%, 24.36% and 49.37%, respectively). In addition, for the first time, C. kefyr (3.65%), Candida pelliculosa (2.43%), Candida rugosa (1.21%), T. asahii (3.65%), Trichosporon mucoides (3.65%) and Prototheca wickerhamii (1.21%) were obtained from crop samples; Candida pelliculosa (1.20%), T. asahii (9.63%) and T. mucoides (7.22%) were isolated from dropping samples in the lofts. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated yeast in dropping samples collected in public squares. CONCLUSIONS It can be assumed that pigeons and their droppings act as carriers and reservoirs of Candida spp. and other zoonotic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Rosario Medina
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Lorena Román Fuentes
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Miguel Batista Arteaga
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Fernando Real Valcárcel
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Félix Acosta Arbelo
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Daniel Padilla Del Castillo
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Soraya Déniz Suárez
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Otilia Ferrer Quintana
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Belinda Vega Gutiérrez
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Freddy Silva Sergent
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Begoña Acosta-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
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10
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Samanta I, Bandyopadhyay S. Infectious Diseases. PET BIRD DISEASES AND CARE 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121861 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3674-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The chapter describes bacerial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections commonly detected in pet birds. The chapter includes history, etiology, susceptible hosts, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, lesion, diagnosis, zoonosis, Treatment and control strategy of Tuberculosis, Salmonellosis, Chlamydiosis, Campylobacteriosis, Lyme disease, other bacterial infection, Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza infection, West Nile Virus infection, Usutu virus infection, Avian Borna Virus infection, Beak and feather disease, other viral infection, Toxoplasmosis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, other parasitic infection, Cryptococcosis, Aspergillosis, Other fungal infections.
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11
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Grizard S, Dini-Andreote F, Tieleman BI, Salles JF. Dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities associated with eggshells during incubation. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:1140-57. [PMID: 24772289 PMCID: PMC3997328 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are closely associated with eggs and may play a determinant role in embryo survival. Yet, the majority of studies focusing on this association relied on culture-based methodology, eventually leading to a skewed assessment of microbial communities. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, we, respectively, described bacterial and fungal communities on eggshells of the homing pigeon Columba livia. We explored their structure, abundance, and composition. Firstly, we showed that sampling technique affected the outcome of the results. While broadly used, the egg swabbing procedure led to a lower DNA extraction efficiency and provided different profiles of bacterial communities than those based on crushed eggshell pieces. Secondly, we observed shifts in bacterial and fungal communities during incubation. At late incubation, bacterial communities showed a reduction in diversity, while their abundance increased, possibly due to the competitive advantage of some species. When compared to their bacterial counterparts, fungal communities also decreased in diversity at late incubation. In that case, however, the decline was associated with a diminution of their overall abundance. Conclusively, our results showed that although incubation might inhibit microbial growth when compared to unincubated eggs, we observed the selective growth of specific bacterial species during incubation. Moreover, we showed that fungi are a substantial component of the microbial communities associated with eggshells and require further investigations in avian ecology. Identifying the functional roles of these microorganisms is likely to provide news insights into the evolutionary strategies that control embryo survival. We aimed to describe the dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities on homing pigeon eggshell surfaces. We investigated these communities at early and late incubation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Grizard
- Department of Animal Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, NL-9747 AG, The Netherlands ; Department of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, NL-9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Francisco Dini-Andreote
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, NL-9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - B Irene Tieleman
- Department of Animal Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, NL-9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | - Joana F Salles
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, NL-9747 AG, The Netherlands
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12
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Banerjee P, Haider M, Trehan V, Mishra B, Thakur A, Dogra V, Loomba P. Cryptococcus laurentii Fungemia. Indian J Med Microbiol 2013; 31:75-7. [DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.108731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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13
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Wu Y, Du PC, Li WG, Lu JX. Identification and Molecular Analysis of Pathogenic Yeasts in Droppings of Domestic Pigeons in Beijing, China. Mycopathologia 2012; 174:203-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-012-9536-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Chryssanthou E, Wennberg H, Bonnedahl J, Olsen B. Occurrence of yeasts in faecal samples from Antarctic and South American seabirds. Mycoses 2011; 54:e811-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2011.02031.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Bernal-Martinez L, Gomez-Lopez A, Castelli MV, Mesa-Arango AC, Zaragoza O, Rodriguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M. Susceptibility profile of clinical isolates of non-Cryptococcus neoformans/non-Cryptococcus gattii Cryptococcusspecies and literature review. Med Mycol 2010; 48:90-6. [DOI: 10.3109/13693780902756073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Rosario I, Soro G, Déniz S, Ferrer O, Acosta F, Padilla D, Acosta B. Presence of C. albidus, C. laurentii and C. uniguttulatus in crop and droppings of pigeon lofts (Columba livia). Mycopathologia 2009; 169:315-9. [PMID: 20012367 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Columba livia is an important reservoir and carrier of Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Cryptococcus laurentii and Cryptococcus albidus. Upper digestive tract of this species is also known as a habitat for Cryptococcus neoformans. Given the increasing clinical interest of this microorganism, 331 swabs from crop and 174 dropping samples from pigeon lofts in Grand Canary Island have been studied. The obtained results show an extensive presence samples 81 positive (24.47%) of Cryptococcus spp. in analysed crops: 32 (9.66%) for C. neoformans, 24 (7.2%) for C. uniguttulatus, 23 (6.9%) for C. albidus and 2 (0.6%) for C. laurentii. In the same way, Cryptococcus spp was also isolated in 82 (47.13%), dropping samples: C. neoformans in 59 (33.9%), C. uniguttulatus, in 9 (5.17%), C. laurentii in 8 (4.59%) and C. albidus in 6 (3.44%) of the investigated samples, respectively. The cryptococcosis produced by species of cryptococci other than C. neoformans has become more important during the last decade, supporting the study on the role of pigeon in the epidemiology of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rosario
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n. Arucas, Arucas, 35416, Spain
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17
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Pedroso RS, Ferreira JC, Candido RC. The isolation and characterization of virulence factors of Cryptococcus spp. from saprophytic sources in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Microbiol Res 2009; 164:221-7. [PMID: 17428645 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Yeasts of the Cryptococcus genus are distributed in nature associated to animal and vegetal organic residues. Occasionally, species other than C. neoformans may be responsible for infectious diseases in human and animals. This study aims to determine the occurrence of Cryptococcus species in the atmosphere and bird droppings in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and to evaluate three virulence factors: capsule formation, growth at 37 degrees C and melanin production. We analyzed 86 environmental samples (54 droppings and 32 air). Of the 41 strains isolated, 15 were C. neoformans var. neoformans (12 droppings and 3 air), 15 C. albidus (12 droppings and 3 air), 9 C. laurentii (7 droppings and 2 air) and 2 C. uniguttulatus (from droppings). Capsules were produced by 93.3% of C. neoformans var. neoformans, 66.7% of C. albidus, 88.9% of C. laurentii and 50% (1/2) of C. uniguttulatus. All strains of C. neoformans, 20% of C. albidus and 44.4% of C. laurentii were able to grow at 37 degrees C. The melanin production on DOPA agar was verified in C. neoformans (93.3%), C. albidus (26.7%) and C. laurentii (66.7%). We concluded that different Cryptococcus species coexist in the same ecological niche and they are able to produce virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginaldo S Pedroso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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18
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Rosario I, Acosta B, Colom F. La paloma y otras aves como reservorio de Cryptococcus spp. Rev Iberoam Micol 2008; 25:S13-8. [DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(08)70020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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19
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Cafarchia C, Romito D, Coccioli C, Camarda A, Otranto D. Phospholipase activity of yeasts from wild birds and possible implications for human disease. Med Mycol 2008; 46:429-34. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780701885636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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20
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Moretti A, Fukushima K, Takizawa K, Suzuki M, Vidotto V, Cannizzo FT, Boncio L, Bollo E. First report of oral colonization by Debaryomyces nepalensis in a dog. Mycopathologia 2007; 164:189-92. [PMID: 17687632 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 07/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A stray, young male, wire-haired pointing griffon dog, found in a street of Perugia (Italy), was examined in order to check his health status. Two oropharyngeal swabs were collected in 24 h and streaked onto Sabouraud agar and after 6 days the yeasts colonies were transferred onto Malt agar. Ascospores were observed on Potato Dextrose Agar medium. The major ubiquinone of an isolated yeast was identified as ubiquinone-9 (Q-9), and genetical analyses were performed together with the type strains of Debaryomyces hansenii (var. hansenii and var. fabry), C. psychrophila and D. nepalensis type strain. The base sequences of ITS1 and ITS2, and D1/D2 domains of LSU rDNA completely coincided with those of D. nepalensis. From these results, the isolated yeast was identified as D. nepalensis. RAPD patterns between the two strains were found to be identical. The results indicate the first colonization of D. nepalensis in a dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabella Moretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biopatologiche ed Igiene delle Produzioni Animali ed Alimentari, Perugia, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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21
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Schutzbach J, Ankel H, Brockhausen I. Synthesis of cell envelope glycoproteins of Cryptococcus laurentii. Carbohydr Res 2007; 342:881-93. [PMID: 17316583 PMCID: PMC2600673 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2007.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2006] [Revised: 01/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fungi of the genus Cryptococcus are encapsulated basidiomycetes that are ubiquitously found in the environment. These organisms infect both lower and higher animals. Human infections that are common in immune-compromised individuals have proven difficult to cure or even control with currently available antimycotics that are quite often toxic to the host. The virulence of Cryptococcus has been linked primarily to its polysaccharide capsule, but also to cell-bound glycoproteins. In this review, we show that Cryptococcus laurentii is an excellent model for studies of polysaccharide and glycoprotein synthesis in the more pathogenic relative C. neoformans. In particular, we will discuss the structure and biosynthesis of O-linked carbohydrates on cell envelope glycoproteins of C. laurentii. These O-linked structures are synthesized by at least four mannosyltransferases, two galactosyltransferases, and at least one xylosyltransferase that have been characterized. These glycosyltransferases have no known homologues in human tissues. Therefore, enzymes involved in the synthesis of cryptococcal glycoproteins, as well as related enzymes involved in capsule synthesis, are potential targets for the development of specific inhibitors for treatment of cryptococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Schutzbach
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Etherington Hall, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6.
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22
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Shankar EM, Kumarasamy N, Bella D, Renuka S, Kownhar H, Suniti S, Rajan R, Rao UA. Pneumonia and pleural effusion due to Cryptococcus laurentii in a clinically proven case of AIDS. Can Respir J 2006; 13:275-8. [PMID: 16896431 PMCID: PMC2683308 DOI: 10.1155/2006/160451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-neoformans cryptococci were previously considered to be saprophytes and nonpathogenic to humans. Cryptococcus laurentii is frequently used as a biological means to control fruit rot. Interestingly, C laurentii has recently been reported to be a rare cause of infection in humans. The authors report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis caused by C laurentii in a diabetic AIDS patient who was on antituberculosis and antiretroviral treatments. The sputum smear revealed capsulated yeast cells that were identified as C laurentii. Repeated pleural fluid culture revealed growth of C laurentii. Both respiratory samples were negative for acid-fast bacilli. Moraxella catarrhalis and Klebsiella pneumoniae were also found in the sputum, but not in the pleural fluid. The patient had a good response to oral fluconazole therapy at 600 mg/day for five weeks and was then discharged. The present article is the first to report on the rare pulmonary involvement of C laurentii in the Indian HIV population. These unusual forms of cryptococci create a diagnostic predicament in the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis. A high degree of suspicion and improvement of techniques for culture and identification will contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of unusual fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esaki Muthu Shankar
- Mycoplasma Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Voluntary Health Services Campus, Taramani, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Devaleenol Bella
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Voluntary Health Services Campus, Taramani, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Renuka
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Voluntary Health Services Campus, Taramani, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Hayath Kownhar
- Mycoplasma Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Solomon Suniti
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Voluntary Health Services Campus, Taramani, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Ramachandran Rajan
- Mycoplasma Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Usha Anand Rao
- Mycoplasma Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Tamilnadu, India
- Correspondence: Dr Usha Anand Rao, Mycoplasma Laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Dr ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai – 600113, Tamilnadu, India. Telephone 91-22-24925317, fax 91-44-24927609, e-mail
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Cafarchia C, Camarda A, Romito D, Campolo M, Quaglia NC, Tullio D, Otranto D. Occurrence of Yeasts in Cloacae of Migratory Birds. Mycopathologia 2006; 161:229-34. [PMID: 16552486 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-005-0194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2005] [Accepted: 12/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Several species of yeast have been reported as pathogens in humans based on increases in immunodeficiency syndromes and as a result of immunosuppressant chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Domestic and wild birds are known to act as carriers of human pathogenic fungi. To gain additional information on the yeasts present in the cloacae of some species of migratory birds, 421 wild birds (24.39% out of 1726 birds caught in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria) were sampled with the permission of the local judicial authority. The state of conservation of the birds (i.e. post-mortem alterations, colour of the mucosae etc.), along with their age and sex were determined. Samples were collected directly from the cloacae and cultured, and colonies were identified in each positive sample. Yeasts were isolated from 15.7% of the animals sampled, with the highest percentage found in coots (Fulica atra -58.8%) and the lowest in quails (Coturnix coturnix -1.7%). A total of 131 isolates belonging to 15 species of yeast were identified. Rhodotorula rubra was the yeast with the highest number of isolates (28.2%), followed by Cryptococcus albidus (18.4%), Candida albicans (9.2%), Trichosporon cutaneum (8.4%), Candida guilliermondii (6.1%), Candida tropicalis (6.1%) and other species. The present study represents the first survey on the occurrence of yeasts in the cloacae of migratory birds. The prevalence and species of yeasts isolated is discussed on the basis of the ecology, diet, and habitat of the birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cafarchia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Health and Welfare, University of Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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Cafarchia C, Romito D, Iatta R, Camarda A, Montagna MT, Otranto D. Role of birds of prey as carriers and spreaders ofCryptococcus neoformansand other zoonotic yeasts. Med Mycol 2006; 44:485-92. [PMID: 16966165 DOI: 10.1080/13693780600735452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, cases of human cryptococcosis, have increased in immunocompromised patients. In several instances, the cases have been associated with the exposure of the patients to bird droppings. In order to investigate birds of prey as potential carriers and spreaders of Cryptococcus neoformans and other yeasts of importance in human infections, 182 swab samples were collected from the cloacae of several species of birds of prey (Group I) and 32 faecal samples from aviaries in which the birds were housed (Group II). Samples were also taken from digestive tract of 60 dead birds (Group III). A total of 454 samples were cultured from which 215 colonies of yeastlike fungi were recovered and identified. Cryptococcusneoformans var. grubii was isolated from three cloacae samples (4.8%) collected from Falco tinnunculus and from one sample (3.1%) obtained from Buteo buteo, as well as from samples collected at the aviaries in which these birds were kept. Overall, 18 samples (9.9%) from Group I, 13 (40.6%) from Group II, 12 crops (20%), three proventriculi (5%) and 12 cloacae (20%) from Group III yielded positive cultures for yeasts. The results indicate that birds of prey and in particular, F. tinnunculus and B. buteo, may act as carriers and spreaders of C. neoformans and other zoonotic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cafarchia
- Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Breuer U, Harms H. Debaryomyces hansenii — an extremophilic yeast with biotechnological potential. Yeast 2006; 23:415-37. [PMID: 16652409 DOI: 10.1002/yea.1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We illuminate the ecological, physiological and genetic characteristics of the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii in the view of our belief that this metabolically versatile, non-pathogenic, osmotolerant and oleaginous microorganism represents an attractive target for fundamental and applied biotechnological research. To this end, we give a broad overview of extant biotechnological procedures using D. hansenii, e.g. in the manufacture of various foods, and propose research into the heterologous synthesis of a range of fine chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Breuer
- UFZ-Centre of Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Department of Environmental Microbiology, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
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26
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Sugita T, Kikuchi K, Makimura K, Urata K, Someya T, Kamei K, Niimi M, Uehara Y. Trichosporon species isolated from guano samples obtained from bat-inhabited caves in Japan. Appl Environ Microbiol 2005; 71:7626-9. [PMID: 16269819 PMCID: PMC1287619 DOI: 10.1128/aem.71.11.7626-7629.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeasts from caves have rarely been examined. We examined yeasts collected from bat guano samples from 20 bat-inhabited limestone and volcanic caves located in 11 prefectures in Japan. Of approximately 700 yeast-like colonies, nine Trichosporon species were recovered from 15 caves. Two of these were known species, and the remaining seven are potentially novel species, based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. In addition to Trichosporon species, identifiable strains of eight ascomycetous yeasts and one basidiomycetous yeast were recovered at frequencies of 5 to 35%. Our findings suggest that Trichosporon spp. are the major yeast species in bat guano in Japan and that bat guano is a potentially rich source of previously undescribed yeast species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Sugita
- Department of Microbiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, 2-522-1 Noshio, Kiyose, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan.
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27
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Rosario I, Hermoso de Mendoza M, Déniz S, Soro G, Alamo I, Acosta B. Isolation of Cryptococcus species including C. neoformans from cloaca of pigeons. Mycoses 2005; 48:421-4. [PMID: 16262879 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2005.01153.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Upper digestive tract of the pigeon (Columba livia) is well known as a reservoir for different species of Cryptococcus, but lower portions are not so frequently studied. In the present study, we tested on selective media a total of 331 pigeon cloacal swabs; Cryptococcus spp. were recovered from 26 (7.85%). Cryptococcus uniguttulatus was isolated from 11 samples (3.32%), C. laurentii from six (1.81%), C. neoformans var. neoformans from six (1.81%) and C. albidus from three of them (0.91%). The results show the importance of pigeon in the cryptococcosis epidemiology as reservoir and carrier for C. neoformans var. neoformans, but also for other Cryptococcus species of increasing clinical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rosario
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas-Las, Plamas-España, Spain.
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28
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Renker C, Blanke V, Börstler B, Heinrichs J, Buscot F. Diversity of and yeasts (Basidiomycota) inhabiting arbuscular mycorrhizal roots or spores. FEMS Yeast Res 2004; 4:597-603. [PMID: 15040947 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsyr.2004.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2003] [Revised: 11/24/2003] [Accepted: 01/06/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The genera Cryptococcus and Dioszegia contain basidiomycetous yeasts found in a wide range of habitats. Primers to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) also allow detecting members of this yeast group. Here we report the results of a sequence analysis using maximum parsimony on a set of 50 ITS sequences of yeasts associated with AMF structures (roots of 26 plant species, AM spores) from six field sites in Central Germany. Among 10 separated taxa, respectively five in the Tremellales and two in the Filobasidiales had unknown sequences. Therefore it was not possible to assign these sequences to any known species. The study indicates that exploring the diversity of Cryptococcus and Dioszegia in soil habitats with molecular methods might enlarge the actually estimated biodiversity of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Renker
- Terrestrial Ecology, Institute of Botany, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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29
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Abstract
Because of the high incidence of aspergillosis, fungal disease is an important condition in the waterfowl. Although this is generally a disease of individual birds, epizootics have been reported when overwhelming spore loads are present. By contrast, the occurrence of fungal disease is quite sporadic in the pigeon. In both groups of birds, however, the zoonotic potential of fungal diseases such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis is clinically significant. The abundant creatinine levels in droppings serve as a nitrogen source for these organisms. This allows their numbers to increase dramatically, which in turn increases the risk of disease transmission. Because pigeons often live in close proximity to people, their role in disease transmission is considered particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christal Pollock
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-5606, USA.
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30
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Mancianti F, Nardoni S, Ceccherelli R. Occurrence of yeasts in psittacines droppings from captive birds in Italy. Mycopathologia 2002; 153:121-4. [PMID: 11998871 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014576304894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Three-hundred twenty five droppings from parrots raised in the premises of 4 breeders and in several private households were cultured for yeasts. One-hundred sixty droppings (49.2%) resulted positive. From these specimens 212 isolates belonging to 27 different species were obtained. Mainly Candida species such as C. albicans, C. catenulata, C. curvata, C. famata, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondi, C. holmii, C. intermedia, C. krusei, C. lambica, C. lusitaniae, C. membranaefaciens, C. parapsilosis, C. pelliculosa, C. sake and C. valida were isolated. Debarvomyces marama, D. polymorphus, Geotrichum sp., Pichia etchelsii, P. ohmeri, Rhodotorula glutinis, R. rubra, Rhodotorula sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. kluyiveri and Zygosaccharomyces sp. were also obtained. Dark colonies on Staib medium were never observed. The psittacine birds apparently serve as carriers for several Candida species or their perfect states and to a lesser extent for other opportunistic yeasts such as Rhodotorula, Trichosporon and Saccharomyces spp., which are considered part of the transient microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract. The most striking finding was the absence of Cryptococcus spp. among the isolates. The present survey confirms the role of pet birds in carrying potential zoonotic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancianti
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi ed Igiene degli Alimenti, Pisa, Italy.
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31
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Averbuch D, Boekhoutt T, Falk R, Engelhard D, Shapiro M, Block C, Polacheck I. Fungemia in a cancer patient caused by fluconazole-resistant Cryptococcus laurentii. Med Mycol 2002; 40:479-84. [PMID: 12462527 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.40.5.479.484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the recent isolation of Cryptococcus laurentii from the blood of a patient given the diagnosis of ganglioneuroblastoma. The organism was identified using physiological and molecular characteristics, including morphology, carbohydrate and nitrate assimilation, urease activity, inability to form melanin on appropriate media, positive staining with diazonium blue B and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of 26S ribosomal DNA. The isolate was resistant to fluconazole and 5-fluorocytosine using both the Etest and a broth microdilution assay. Repeated recovery of the organism from different blood cultures, and the patient's good response to treatment with amphotericin B support its etiological role. C. laurentii has rarely been implicated as a cause of clinically significant infections. The identity of reported isolates has not always been adequately documented, and some appear to have been isolated from lesions caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, emphasizing the true rarity of disease due to this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Averbuch
- Department of Pediatrics,The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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32
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Sugita T, Takashima M, Ikeda R, Nakase T, Shinoda T. Intraspecies diversity of Cryptococcus laurentii as revealed by sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions and 28S rRNA gene and taxonomic position of C. laurentii clinical isolates. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:1468-71. [PMID: 10747127 PMCID: PMC86466 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.4.1468-1471.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The intraspecies diversity of an opportunistic yeast pathogen, Cryptococcus laurentii, was revealed by analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions and the 28S rRNA gene. Ten strains of C. laurentii were grouped into two major phylogenetic groups and were further divided into at least seven species. Four of the strains isolated from patients did not represent a single species but showed heterogeneity. These results suggest that C. laurentii is a genetically heterogeneous species, and this must be taken into consideration when identifying C. laurentii clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sugita
- Department of Microbiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
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