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A hidden battle in the dirt: Soil amoebae interactions with Paracoccidioides spp. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007742. [PMID: 31589617 PMCID: PMC6797224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides spp. are thermodimorphic fungi that cause a neglected tropical disease (paracoccidioidomycosis) that is endemic to Latin America. These fungi inhabit the soil, where they live as saprophytes with no need for a mammalian host to complete their life cycle. Despite this, they developed sophisticated virulence attributes allowing them not only to survive in host tissues but also to cause disease. A hypothesis for selective pressures driving the emergence or maintenance of virulence of soil fungi is their interaction with soil predators such as amoebae and helminths. We evaluated the presence of environmental amoeboid predators in soil from armadillo burrows where Paracoccidioides had been previously detected and tested if the interaction of Paracoccidioides with amoebae selects for fungi with increased virulence. Nematodes, ciliates, and amoebae-all potential predators of fungi-grew in cultures from soil samples. Microscopical observation and ITS sequencing identified the amoebae as Acanthamoeba spp, Allovahlkampfia spelaea, and Vermamoeba vermiformis. These three amoebae efficiently ingested, killed and digested Paracoccidioides spp. yeast cells, as did laboratory adapted axenic Acanthamoeba castellanii. Sequential co-cultivation of Paracoccidioides with A. castellanii selected for phenotypical traits related to the survival of the fungus within a natural predator as well as in murine macrophages and in vivo (Galleria mellonella and mice). These changes in virulence were linked to the accumulation of cell wall alpha-glucans, polysaccharides that mask recognition of fungal molecular patterns by host pattern recognition receptors. Altogether, our results indicate that Paracoccidioides inhabits a complex environment with multiple amoeboid predators that can exert selective pressure to guide the evolution of virulence traits.
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Souza IEL, Fernandes FF, Schiavoni MCL, Silva CL, Panunto-Castelo A. Therapeutic effect of DNA vaccine encoding the 60-kDa-heat shock protein from Paracoccidoides brasiliensis on experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in mice. Vaccine 2019; 37:5607-5613. [PMID: 31399276 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis autochthonous to Latin America and endemic to Brazil, which has the majority of the PCM cases. PCM is acquired through the inhalation of propagules of fungi from genus Paracoccidioides spp. and mainly affects the lungs. We have previously shown that P. brasiliensis-infected mice treated with single-dose of recombinant 60-kDa-heat shock protein from P. brasiliensis (rPbHsp60) had a worsening infection in comparison to animals only infected. In this study, we investigate whether the treatment of infected mice with PB_HSP60 gene cloned into a plasmid (pVAX1-PB_HSP60) would result in efficient immune response and better control of the disease. The harmful impact of single-dose therapy with protein was not seen with plasmid preparations. Most importantly, three doses of pVAX1-PB_HSP60 and protein induced a beneficial effect in experimental PCM with a reduction in fungal load and lung injury when compared with infected mice treated with pVAX1 or PBS. The increase of the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-17 and the decrease of IL-10 observed after treatment with three doses of pVAX1-PB_HSP60 appears to be responsible for the control of infection. These results open perspectives of the therapeutic use of Hsp60 in PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Emiliano L Souza
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Célio L Silva
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters at Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Giusiano G, Aguirre C, Vratnica C, Rojas F, Corallo T, Cattana ME, Fernández M, Mussin J, de Los Angeles Sosa M. Emergence of acute/subacute infant-juvenile paracoccidioidomycosis in Northeast Argentina: Effect of climatic and anthropogenic changes? Med Mycol 2019; 57:30-37. [PMID: 29346653 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Argentina has two endemic areas of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Bordering Paraguay and Brazil, Northeast Argentina (NEA) comprises the area with the highest incidence where the chronic adult clinical form has historically been reported. Juvenile form in children and adolescents is rare in this area since only one case was reported in the last 10 years. Despite this, between 2010 and 2012, several cases of acute/subacute clinical forms in children aged 10 to 16 (median 12) were detected. In the last decade, the NEA region has been exposed to ecological variations as consequences of certain climatic and anthropogenic changes, including El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon during 2009, and deforestation. The region has also suffered from the significant ecological effects of the construction of one of the biggest hydroelectric dams of South America. This study aims to describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of acute/subacute PCM cases detected in children from NEA and to discuss climatic and anthropogenic changes as possible contributing factors in the emergence of this disease in children. This acute/subacute PCM cluster was characterized by severe disseminated and aggressive presentations to localized form, with a high spectrum of clinical manifestations uncommonly observed. Due to the lack of experience in acute/subacute PCM in children in the studied area and the atypical clinical manifestations observed, the diagnosis was delayed. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, a higher level of suspicion is now required in NEA and countries bordering the southern part of the endemic area, which are affected by the changes discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Giusiano
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Clarisa Aguirre
- Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Avelino Castelán, Resistencia, Argentina
| | | | - Florencia Rojas
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Teresa Corallo
- Hospital Pediátrico Dr. Avelino Castelán, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - María Emilia Cattana
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Mariana Fernández
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Javier Mussin
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - María de Los Angeles Sosa
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia, Argentina
- Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Corrientes, Argentina
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Heat Shock Proteins in Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00221-17. [PMID: 28903987 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00221-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly conserved biomolecules that are constitutively expressed and generally upregulated in response to various stress conditions (biotic and abiotic). Hsps have diverse functions, categorizations, and classifications. Their adaptive expression in fungi indicates their significance in these diverse species, particularly in dimorphic pathogens. Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi that are the causative agents of histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis, respectively. This minireview focuses on the pathobiology of Hsps, with particular emphasis on their roles in the morphogenesis and virulence of Histoplasma and Paracoccidioides and the potential roles of active and passive immunization against Hsps in protection against infection with these fungi.
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Tomazett MV, Zanoelo FF, Bailão EFC, Bailão AM, Borges CL, Soares CMDA. Molecular and biochemical characterization of carbonic anhydrases of Paracoccidioides. Genet Mol Biol 2016; 39:416-25. [PMID: 27560991 PMCID: PMC5004831 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2015-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbonic anhydrases (CA) belong to the family of zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze
the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. In the present work, we
characterized the cDNAs of four Paracoccidioides CAs (CA1, CA2, CA3,
and CA4). In the presence of CO2, there was not a significant increase in
fungal ca1, ca2 and ca4 gene
expression. The ca1 transcript was induced during the
mycelium-to-yeast transition, while ca2 and ca4
gene expression was much higher in yeast cells, when compared to mycelium and
mycelium-to-yeast transition. The ca1 transcript was induced in
yeast cells recovered directly from liver and spleen of infected mice, while
transcripts for ca2 and ca4 were down-regulated.
Recombinant CA1 (rCA1) and CA4 (rCA4), with 33 kDa and 32 kDa respectively, were
obtained from bacteria. The enzymes rCA1 (β-class) and rCA4 (α-class) were
characterized regarding pH, temperature, ions and amino acids addition influence.
Both enzymes were stable at pHs 7.5-8.5 and temperatures of 30-35 °C. The enzymes
were dramatically inhibited by Hg+2 and activated by Zn+2,
while only rCA4 was stimulated by Fe2+. Among the amino acids tested (all
in L configuration), arginine, lysine, tryptophan and histidine enhanced residual
activity of rCA1 and rCA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vieira Tomazett
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Fonseca Zanoelo
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,Laboratório de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Flávia Cardoso Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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Lima PDS, Chung D, Bailão AM, Cramer RA, Soares CMDA. Characterization of the Paracoccidioides Hypoxia Response Reveals New Insights into Pathogenesis Mechanisms of This Important Human Pathogenic Fungus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004282. [PMID: 26659387 PMCID: PMC4686304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxic microenvironments are generated during fungal infection. It has been described that to survive in the human host, fungi must also tolerate and overcome in vivo microenvironmental stress conditions including low oxygen tension; however nothing is known how Paracoccidioides species respond to hypoxia. The genus Paracoccidioides comprises human thermal dimorphic fungi and are causative agents of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important mycosis in Latin America. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this work, a detailed hypoxia characterization was performed in Paracoccidioides. Using NanoUPLC-MSE proteomic approach, we obtained a total of 288 proteins differentially regulated in 12 and 24 h of hypoxia, providing a global view of metabolic changes during this stress. In addition, a functional characterization of the homologue to the most important molecule involved in hypoxia responses in other fungi, the SREBP (sterol regulatory element binding protein) was performed. We observed that Paracoccidioides species have a functional homologue of SREBP, named here as SrbA, detected by using a heterologous genetic approach in the srbA null mutant in Aspergillus fumigatus. Paracoccidioides srbA (PbsrbA), in addition to involvement in hypoxia, is probable involved in iron adaptation and azole drug resistance responses. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE In this study, the hypoxia was characterized in Paracoccidioides. The first results can be important for a better understanding of the fungal adaptation to the host and improve the arsenal of molecules for the development of alternative treatment options in future, since molecules related to fungal adaptation to low oxygen levels are important to virulence and pathogenesis in human pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia de Sousa Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Dawoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Robert A. Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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7
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Tavares AH, Fernandes L, Bocca AL, Silva-Pereira I, Felipe MS. Transcriptomic reprogramming of genus Paracoccidioides in dimorphism and host niches. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 81:98-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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de Jesus Carlos N, Pinto DA, Ono MA, Venancio EJ, de Camargo ZP, Sano A, Itano EN. Immunoblotting of soluble antigens inParacoccidioides brasiliensisculture. Microbiol Immunol 2014; 58:212-4. [DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Débora Alves Pinto
- Department of Pathologic Sciences; State University of Londrina; Londrina Parana Brazil
| | - Mario Augusto Ono
- Department of Pathologic Sciences; State University of Londrina; Londrina Parana Brazil
| | - Emerson Jose Venancio
- Department of Pathologic Sciences; State University of Londrina; Londrina Parana Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- Department of Microbiology; Immunology and Parasitology; Federal University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ayako Sano
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of the Ryukyus; Okinawa Japan
| | - Eiko Nakagawa Itano
- Department of Pathologic Sciences; State University of Londrina; Londrina Parana Brazil
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Tavares AH, Magalhães KG, Almeida RDN, Correa R, Burgel PH, Bocca AL. NLRP3 inflammasome activation by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2595. [PMID: 24340123 PMCID: PMC3855149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent systemic mycosis that is geographically confined to Latin America. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β that is mainly derived from the activation of the cytoplasmic multiprotein complex inflammasome is an essential host factor against opportunistic fungal infections; however, its role in infection with a primary fungal pathogen, such as P. brasiliensis, is not well understood. In this study, we found that murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells responded to P. brasiliensis yeast cells infection by releasing IL-1β in a spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), caspase-1 and NOD-like receptor (NLR) family member NLRP3 dependent manner. In addition, P. brasiliensis-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was dependent on potassium (K+) efflux, reactive oxygen species production, phagolysosomal acidification and cathepsin B release. Finally, using mice lacking the IL-1 receptor, we demonstrated that IL-1β signaling has an important role in killing P. brasiliensis by murine macrophages. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome senses and responds to P. brasiliensis yeast cells infection and plays an important role in host defense against this fungus. Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease that has an important mortality and morbidity impact in Latin America. It mainly affects rural workers of Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. Upon host infection, one of the most important aspects that contribute to the disease outcome is the initial interaction of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis fungus with the phagocytic cells and the induction of the inflammatory process. Among several inflammatory mediators, the cytokine interleukin-1β is of pivotal importance in this complex process. Here, we demonstrate that P. brasiliensis is sensed by the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cytoplasmatic multiprotein complex that lead to the processing and secretion of IL-1β. In addition, we described the intracellular perturbations that may be associated with NLRP3 activation such as potassium efflux, production of reactive oxygen species, and lysosomal damage. Finally, our work provides evidence for the protective role of IL-1β during fungal infection of murine macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Henrique Tavares
- Faculdade de Ceilândia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
- Laboratorio de Imunologia Aplicada, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
- * E-mail: .
| | - Kelly Grace Magalhães
- Laboratorio de Imunologia e Inflamação, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Raquel Das Neves Almeida
- Laboratorio de Imunologia e Inflamação, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Rafael Correa
- Laboratorio de Imunologia e Inflamação, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Pedro Henrique Burgel
- Laboratorio de Imunologia Aplicada, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Laboratorio de Imunologia Aplicada, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
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Zambuzzi-Carvalho PF, Tomazett PK, Santos SC, Ferri PH, Borges CL, Martins WS, de Almeida Soares CM, Pereira M. Transcriptional profile of Paracoccidioides induced by oenothein B, a potential antifungal agent from the Brazilian Cerrado plant Eugenia uniflora. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:227. [PMID: 24119145 PMCID: PMC3852496 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The compound oenothein B (OenB), which is isolated from the leaves of Eugenia uniflora, a Brazilian Cerrado plant, interferes with Paracoccidioides yeast cell morphology and inhibits 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase (PbFKS1) transcript accumulation, which is involved in cell wall synthesis. In this work we examined the gene expression changes in Paracoccidioides yeast cells following OenB treatment in order to investigate the adaptive cellular responses to drug stress. RESULTS We constructed differential gene expression libraries using Representational Difference Analysis (RDA) of Paracoccidioides yeast cells treated with OenB for 90 and 180 min. Treatment for 90 min resulted in the identification of 463 up-regulated expressed sequences tags (ESTs) and 104 down-regulated ESTs. For the 180 min treatment 301 up-regulated ESTs and 143 down-regulated were identified. Genes involved in the cell wall biosynthesis, such as GLN1, KRE6 and FKS1, were found to be regulated by OenB. Infection experiments in macrophages corroborated the in vitro results. Fluorescence microscopy showed increased levels of chitin in cells treated with OenB. The carbohydrate polymer content of the cell wall of the fungus was also evaluated, and the results corroborated with the transcriptional data. Several other genes, such as those involved in a variety of important cellular processes (i.e., membrane maintenance, stress and virulence) were found to be up-regulated in response to OenB treatment. CONCLUSIONS The exposure of Paracoccidioides to OenB resulted in a complex altered gene expression profile. Some of the changes may represent specific adaptive responses to this compound in this important pathogenic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Fernanda Zambuzzi-Carvalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, C.P. 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kott Tomazett
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, C.P. 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Suzana Costa Santos
- Laboratório de Bioatividade Molecular, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Ferri
- Laboratório de Bioatividade Molecular, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, C.P. 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, C.P. 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, ICBII, Campus II, Universidade Federal de Goiás, C.P. 131, 74001-970 Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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Rigobello FF, Marquez AS, Lopes JD, Nakanishi-Ito FA, Itano EN. Patients with Chronic-form Paracoccidioidomycosis Present High Serum Levels of IgE Anti-paracoccidioides brasiliensis Gp70. Mycopathologia 2013; 175:307-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-013-9624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Dos Reis Almeida FB, Carvalho FC, Mariano VS, Alegre ACP, Silva RDN, Hanna ES, Roque-Barreira MC. Influence of N-glycosylation on the morphogenesis and growth of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and on the biological activities of yeast proteins. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29216. [PMID: 22216217 PMCID: PMC3244461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a human pathogen that causes paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The cell wall of P. brasiliensis is a network of glycoproteins and polysaccharides, such as chitin, that perform several functions. N-linked glycans are involved in glycoprotein folding, intracellular transport, secretion, and protection from proteolytic degradation. Here, we report the effects of tunicamycin (TM)-mediated inhibition of N-linked glycosylation on P. brasiliensis yeast cells. The underglycosylated yeasts were smaller than their fully glycosylated counterparts and exhibited a drastic reduction of cell budding, reflecting impairment of growth and morphogenesis by TM treatment. The intracellular distribution in TM-treated yeasts of the P. brasiliensis glycoprotein paracoccin was investigated using highly specific antibodies. Paracoccin was observed to accumulate at intracellular locations, far from the yeast wall. Paracoccin derived from TM-treated yeasts retained the ability to bind to laminin despite their underglycosylation. As paracoccin has N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) activity and induces the production of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages, we compared these properties between glycosylated and underglycosylated yeast proteins. Paracoccin demonstrated lower NAGase activity when underglycosylated, although no difference was detected between the pH and temperature optimums of the two forms. Murine macrophages stimulated with underglycosylated yeast proteins produced significantly lower levels of TNF-α and NO. Taken together, the impaired growth and morphogenesis of tunicamycin-treated yeasts and the decreased biological activities of underglycosylated fungal components suggest that N-glycans play important roles in P. brasiliensis yeast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Bruno Dos Reis Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Caroline Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vânia Sammartino Mariano
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto do Nascimento Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ebert Seixas Hanna
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Invent Biotecnologia Ltda. ME, Incubadora Supera, Rua dos Técnicos s/n, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Response of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb01 to stressor agents and cell wall osmoregulators. Fungal Biol 2011; 115:62-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Silva MFD, Napimoga MH, Rodrigues DBR, Pereira SAL, Silva CL. Phenotypic and functional characterization of pulmonary macrophages subpopulations after intratracheal injection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis cell wall components. Immunobiology 2010; 216:821-31. [PMID: 21257226 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A shift in the activation of pulmonary macrophages characterized by an increase of IL-1, TNF-α and IL-6 production has been induced in mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. It is still unclear whether a functional shift in the resident alveolar macrophage population would be responsible for these observations due to the expression of cell surface molecules. We investigated pulmonary macrophages by flow cytometry from mice treated with P. brasiliensis derivatives by intratracheal route. In vivo labeling with the dye PKH26GL was applied to characterize newly recruited pulmonary macrophages from the bloodstream. Pulmonary macrophages from mice inflamed with P. brasiliensis derivatives showed a high expression of the surface antigens CD11b/CD18 and CD23 among several cellular markers. The expression of these markers indicated a pattern of activation of a subpopulation characterized as CD11b+ or CD23+, which was modulated in vitro by IFN-γ and IL-4. Analysis of monocytes labelled with PKH26GL demonstrated that CD11b+ cells did infiltrate the lung exhibiting a proinflammatory pattern of activation, whereas CD23+ cells were considered to be resident in the lung. These findings may contribute to better understand the pathology of lung inflammation caused by P. brasiliensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Fernandes da Silva
- Pro-Rectory of Research, Post-Graduation and Extension, University of Uberaba, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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15
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Kioshima ES, Aliperti F, Maricato JT, Mortara RA, Bagagli E, Mariano M, Lopes JD. A synthetic peptide selectively kills only virulent Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts. Microbes Infect 2010; 13:251-60. [PMID: 21070862 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2010.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 10/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This work was conducted to identify virulence biomarkers for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), the fungus responsible for Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), a systemic disease endemic in Latin America. Measurement of mortality showed that all B10.A mice were killed after 250 days by the virulent Pb18 isolate while only one of the mice that received the attenuated counterpart died. Also, number of lung CFUs from virulent Pb18 inoculated mice were much higher when these isolates were compared. Phage display methodology allowed selection of three phages that specifically bound to virulent Pb18. Variability of p04 phage binding to different Pb isolates were examples of variability of expression by the fungus of its binding molecule, strongly suggesting p04 as a biomarker of virulence. In vitro, its derived peptide pep04 killed only virulent fungi, and confocal microscopy showed that it was internalized only by the virulent isolate. Pep04 blocked establishment of Pb infection in mice and virulent Pb18 pre-incubated with p04 showed significantly inhibited lung infection. Furthermore, infected mice treated with p04 showed highly significant reduction in lung CFUs. These findings firmly establish p04 as a biomarker of Pb virulence. Therefore, after proper peptide engineering, p04 may become a useful adjuvant for the distressing treatment of PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Seki Kioshima
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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16
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Cyclosporin A treatment and decreased fungal load/antigenemia in experimental murine paracoccidioidomycosis. Mycopathologia 2010; 171:161-9. [PMID: 20835848 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). The cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant drug that inhibits calcineurin and has been described as a potential antifungal drug. The present study investigated the effect of CsA on the immune response, fungal load/antigenemia in experimental murine PCM. It was used four groups of BALB/c mice: (a) infected with 1 x 10⁵ Pb18 yeast cells (Pb), (b) infected and treated with CsA every other day 10 mg/kg of CsA (s.c.) during 30 days (Pb/CsA), (c) treated with CsA (CsA) and (d) no infected/treated (PBS). The immune response was evaluated by lymphocyte proliferation, DTH assays to exoAgs, ELISA for IgG anti-gp43 (specific immune responses) and cytokine serum levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-10). Fungal load was determined by lung colony-forming units (CFU) counts, lung and liver histopathology analysis and antigenemia determined by inhibition-ELISA. As expected, CsA was able to inhibit the specific cellular and humoral immune response (P < 0.05), with decrease in serum IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-4 levels (P < 0.05). Cyclosporin A treatment also resulted in significantly decreased lung Pb CFU (P < 0.05) as well as a lower number of yeasts in the lung and liver (P < 0.05) by histopathology. In concordance, the decreased antigenemia was observed in Pb/CsA group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, even with immunosuppressive action, treatment with CsA results in decreased lung fungal load/antigenemia in experimental PCM in BALB/c mice. Further study is required to determine whether this represents less severe disease or protection by CsA.
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17
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Batista Júnior J, Berzaghi R, Arnaud ADMDM, Fontes CJF, de Camargo ZP, Hahn RC. Simultaneous infection of human host with genetically distinct isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 105:62-5. [PMID: 20209331 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is the first report on genetic differences between isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from a single patient. We describe a simultaneous infection with genetically distinct isolates of P. brasiliensis in a patient with chronic paracoccidioidomycosis. The clinical isolates were obtained from lesions in different anatomical sites and were characterised by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The RAPD technique can be helpful for distinguishing between clinical isolates. Different random primers were used to characterise these clinical isolates. The RAPD patterns allowed for differentiation between isolates and the construction of a phenetic tree, which showed more than 28% genetic variability in this fungal species, opening new possibilities for clinical studies of P. brasiliensis. Based on these results and preliminary clinical findings, we suggest that different genotypes of P. brasiliensis might infect the same patient, inducing the active form of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Batista Júnior
- Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
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18
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Lee SC, Ni M, Li W, Shertz C, Heitman J. The evolution of sex: a perspective from the fungal kingdom. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2010; 74:298-340. [PMID: 20508251 PMCID: PMC2884414 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00005-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex is shrouded in mystery. Not only does it preferentially occur in the dark for both fungi and many animals, but evolutionary biologists continue to debate its benefits given costs in light of its pervasive nature. Experimental studies of the benefits and costs of sexual reproduction with fungi as model systems have begun to provide evidence that the balance between sexual and asexual reproduction shifts in response to selective pressures. Given their unique evolutionary history as opisthokonts, along with metazoans, fungi serve as exceptional models for the evolution of sex and sex-determining regions of the genome (the mating type locus) and for transitions that commonly occur between outcrossing/self-sterile and inbreeding/self-fertile modes of reproduction. We review here the state of the understanding of sex and its evolution in the fungal kingdom and also areas where the field has contributed and will continue to contribute to illuminating general principles and paradigms of sexual reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Chan Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Cecelia Shertz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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19
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Maricato JT, Batista WL, Kioshima ÉS, Feitosa LS, Brito RRNE, Goldman GH, Mariano M, Puccia R, Lopes JD. The Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp70 antigen is encoded by a putative member of the flavoproteins monooxygenase family. Fungal Genet Biol 2010; 47:179-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2009.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Marquez ADS, Moreira APV, Leonello PC, Nakanishi FA, Itano EN. Serum proteins and fractions, HDL-cholesterol and total IgG and IgE levels in cases of acute and chronic paracoccidioidomycosis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2009; 42:245-9. [PMID: 19684969 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822009000300002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated serum protein fractions, HDL-cholesterol, total immunoglobulin G and total immunoglobulin E levels in patients with acute and chronic paracoccidioidomycosis, by means of electrophoresis, enzymatic reaction and immunoenzymatic assay. The results demonstrated elevated levels of total immunoglobulin G, total immunoglobulin E, alpha-2 and gamma-globulins, which were more evident in acute than in chronic PCM, but no increase in HDL-cholesterol levels. There was a correlation between the levels of total immunoglobulin E and gamma-globulins and the alpha-2 and beta-globulin fractions in the acute form and between beta and gamma-globulins in both the acute and the chronic form. In conclusion, changes in total immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin E levels and in the electrophoretic profile may be important markers for the prognosis and therapeutic follow-up of PCM cases, especially because protein electrophoresis is a simple laboratory test that can be applied when specific PCM serological tests are not available. In addition, levels of the gamma-globulin fraction greater than 2.0 g/dl may suggest that the patient is developing a more severe form of PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey de Souza Marquez
- Microbiology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Microbiology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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21
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Organization and evolutionary trajectory of the mating type (MAT) locus in dermatophyte and dimorphic fungal pathogens. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 9:46-58. [PMID: 19880755 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00259-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction in fungi is governed by a specialized genomic region, the mating type (MAT) locus, whose gene identity, organization, and complexity are diverse. We identified the MAT locus of five dermatophyte fungal pathogens (Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton equinum, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton tonsurans) and a dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and performed phylogenetic analyses. The identified MAT locus idiomorphs of M. gypseum control cell type identity in mating assays, and recombinant progeny were produced. Virulence tests in Galleria mellonella larvae suggest the two mating types of M. gypseum may have equivalent virulence. Synteny analysis revealed common features of the MAT locus shared among these five dermatophytes: namely, a small size ( approximately 3 kb) and a novel gene arrangement. The SLA2, COX13, and APN2 genes, which flank the MAT locus in other Ascomycota are instead linked on one side of the dermatophyte MAT locus. In addition, the transcriptional orientations of the APN2 and COX13 genes are reversed compared to the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis, and Coccidioides posadasii. A putative transposable element, pogo, was found to have inserted in the MAT1-2 idiomorph of one P. brasiliensis strain but not others. In conclusion, the evolution of the MAT locus of the dermatophytes and dimorphic fungi from the last common ancestor has been punctuated by both gene acquisition and expansion, and asymmetric gene loss. These studies further support a foundation to develop molecular and genetic tools for dermatophyte and dimorphic human fungal pathogens.
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22
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Gomes E, Wingeter MA, Svidzinski TIE. Dissociação clínico-radiológica nas manifestações pulmonares da paracoccidioidomicose. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2008; 41:454-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822008000500004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Os pulmões estão entre os principais sítios acometidos pela paracoccidioidomicose, contudo as alterações nem sempre são fáceis de serem diferenciadas de outros distúrbios respiratórios. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a freqüência do comprometimento pulmonar na paracoccidioidomicose e se existe associação clínico-radiológica. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de março de 1996 a novembro de 2006, em pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose no Hospital Universitário Regional de Maringá, PR. No período foram confirmados 45 casos, dos quais 79,5% apresentavam alterações radiológicas em Raios-X de tórax e quatro deles tinham também tuberculose pulmonar. De 40 pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose exclusivamente, 57,5% apresentavam manifestações clínicas respiratórias e 77,5% alterações radiológicas, ficando evidente uma dissociação clínico-radiológica, o tabagismo foi declarado por 80,6% dos pacientes que apresentavam alterações radiológicas. Concluímos que as alterações morfológicas no pulmão, embora freqüentes, nem sempre correspondem a sinais e sintomas respiratórios e são difíceis de serem atribuídas exclusivamente à paracoccidioidomicose.
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23
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Molinari-Madlum EEWI, Felipe MSS, Soares CMA. Virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates can be correlated to groups defined by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Med Mycol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-280x.1999.00230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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24
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Cardoso SV, Moreti MM, Costa IM, Loyola AM. Exfoliative cytology: a helpful tool for the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. Oral Dis 2008. [DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-0825.2001.70403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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Abstract
A pulmonary cavity is a gas-filled area of the lung in the center of a nodule or area of consolidation and may be clinically observed by use of plain chest radiography or computed tomography. Cavities are present in a wide variety of infectious and noninfectious processes. This review discusses the differential diagnosis of pathological processes associated with lung cavities, focusing on infections associated with lung cavities. The goal is to provide the clinician and clinical microbiologist with an overview of the diseases most commonly associated with lung cavities, with attention to the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the host.
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26
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de Oliveira LL, Coltri KC, Cardoso CRB, Roque-Barreira MC, Panunto-Castelo A. T helper 1-inducing adjuvant protects against experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e183. [PMID: 18335066 PMCID: PMC2263123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunostimulatory therapy is a promising approach to improving the treatment of systemic fungal infections such as paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), whose drug therapy is usually prolonged and associated with toxic side effects and relapses. The current study was undertaken to determine if the injection of a T helper (Th) 1–stimulating adjuvant in P. brasiliensis–infected mice could have a beneficial effect on the course of experimental PCM. For this purpose, mice were infected and treated with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), a well-established Th1 experimental inductor, or incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA - control group) on day 20 postinfection. Four weeks after treatment, the CFA-treated mice presented a mild infection in the lungs characterized by absence of epithelioid cell granulomas and yeast cells, whereas the control mice presented multiple sites of focal epithelioid granulomas with lymphomonocytic halos circumscribing a high number of viable and nonviable yeast cells. In addition, CFA administration induced a 2.4 log reduction (>99%) in the fungal burden when compared to the control group, and led to an improvement of immune response, reversing the immunosuppression observed in the control group. The immunotherapy with Th1-inducing adjuvant, approved to be used in humans, might be a valuable tool in the treatment of PCM and potentially useful to improve the clinical cure rate in humans. P. brasiliensis is a thermally dimorphic human pathogenic fungus that causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent human systemic mycosis in Latin America, whose drug therapy is usually prolonged and associated with toxic side effects and relapses. Although immunostimulatory therapy is a promising approach to improving the treatment of fungal infections as PCM, few studies have been reported. In the current study, we verified that a single-dose administration of an adjuvant that induces T helper (Th) 1 immune response (complete Freund's adjuvant [CFA]) in P. brasiliensis–infected mice was sufficient to break the lack of immune response to the fungus observed in infected mice. Four weeks after treatment, the CFA-treated mice presented a mild infection in the lungs characterized by preserved lung structure and small fungal burden, whereas control mice that had been treated with incomplete Freund's adjuvant presented many granulomatous lesions and high fungal burden. The immunotherapy with Th1-inducing adjuvant might be a valuable tool in the treatment of PCM and potentially useful for faster and efficient cure of PCM in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Licursi de Oliveira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kely Cristine Coltri
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro Barros Cardoso
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria-Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ademilson Panunto-Castelo
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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27
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De Azevedo Izidoro ACS, Da Silva PC, De Oliveira Ribas M, De Azevedo LR, Machado MÂN, De Lima AAS. Case of Recurrent Paracoccidioidomycosis in Female 10 Years after Initial Treatment. THE BULLETIN OF TOKYO DENTAL COLLEGE 2007; 48:67-72. [DOI: 10.2209/tdcpublication.48.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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28
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Lupi O, Tyring SK, McGinnis MR. Tropical dermatology: fungal tropical diseases. J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 53:931-51, quiz 952-4. [PMID: 16310053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.10.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fungal infections are common in tropical countries and can have an important impact on public health. Lobomycosis is a common fungal infection in the tropical rain forest of South America, and paracoccidioidomycosis (South American blastomycosis) is a widespread and sometimes severe illness. Penicilliosis marneffei is an opportunistic infection of AIDS patients in southeast Asia. Chromoblastomycosis and mycetomas are causes of morbidity around the world. Sporotrichosis is a worldwide subcutaneous mycosis with a high incidence in tropical countries and is an important illness in immunocompromised patients. Rhinosporidiosis was classed as a fungal infection but is now considered a protistan parasite that belongs to the class Mesomycetozoea. It is included in this review because of its historical classification. In the past, most of these mycoses were restricted to specific geographic areas and natural reservoirs. There are, however, situations in which people from other regions come in contact with the pathogen. A common situation involves an accidental contamination of a traveler or worker who has contact with a tropical mycosis. Even minor trauma to the skin surface or inhalation of the fungal conidia can infect the patient. Thus recognition of the clinical symptoms and the dermatologic findings of the diseases, as well as the geographic distribution of the pathogens, can be critical in diagnosis of the tropical mycoses. This review discusses some of the more common tropical subcutaneous and systemic mycoses, as well as their signs, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and therapies. LEARNING OBJECTIVE At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to recognize the clinical and histologic presentations of tropical fungal diseases with cutaneous manifestations and be familiar with the appropriate therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Lupi
- Department of Medical Clinics (Dermatology), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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29
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Amaral CC, Garcia IP, Fernandes GF, Almeida SR, Camargo ZP, Souza MC. Adjuvant effect of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides (CpG-ODN) from the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis gp43 gene on the Th2-Th1 immunomodulation of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. Scand J Immunol 2005; 62:325-33. [PMID: 16253119 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01680.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Immunostimulatory effects of P. brasiliensis DNA and CpG-oligodeoxyribonucleotides (CpG-ODN) have shown a Th2-Th1 immunomodulation of the isogenic murine model of susceptibility, which develops a progressive and disseminating disease. In this study, we investigated the optimum time interval and doses of CpG-ODN which are able to induce Th2-Th1 immunomodulation. The optimum concentrations for the induction of a decrease in antibody production were 0.5 and 1 microg. Mice immunized twice with CpG-ODN and gp43 (5 and 7 days before the challenge) showed a 60% higher chance of survival compared with the control group (nonimmunized), and an increase in Th1 isotype (IgG2a) was also observed. In vitro assays of naive and preimmunized mice showed discrete cellular proliferation when stimulated by suitable concentrations of CpG-ODN. Type 1 cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma were increased in cell culture supernatants, but no significant difference was found in Th2 IL-4 cytokines in stimulated or nonstimulated cell cultures. Concerning the Th2-Th1 kinetics in experimental PCM models by adjuvant effect of CpG-ODN, there are still many questions to be answered and clarified. However, the gathering of data obtained in this investigation has led us to suggest that the modulation of Th2-Th1 in experimental PCM depends on time and CpG-ODN concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Amaral
- Discipline of Cellular Biology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
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30
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Andrade RV, Da Silva SP, Torres FAG, Poças-Fonseca MJ, Silva-Pereira I, Maranhão AQ, Campos EG, Moraes LMP, Jesuíno RSA, Pereira M, Soares CMA, Walter MEMT, Carvalho MJA, Almeida NF, Brigido MM, Felipe MSS. Overview and perspectives on the transcriptome of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Rev Iberoam Micol 2005; 22:203-12. [PMID: 16499412 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-1406(05)70044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a dimorphic and thermo-regulated fungus which is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, an endemic disease widespread in Latin America that affects 10 million individuals. Pathogenicity is assumed to be a consequence of the dimorphic transition from mycelium to yeast cells during human infection. This review shows the results of the P. brasiliensis transcriptome project which generated 6,022 assembled groups from mycelium and yeast phases. Computer analysis using the tools of bioinformatics revealed several aspects from the transcriptome of this pathogen such as: general and differential metabolism in mycelium and yeast cells; cell cycle, DNA replication, repair and recombination; RNA biogenesis apparatus; translation and protein fate machineries; cell wall; hydrolytic enzymes; proteases; GPI-anchored proteins; molecular chaperones; insights into drug resistance and transporters; oxidative stress response and virulence. The present analysis has provided a more comprehensive view of some specific features considered relevant for the understanding of basic and applied knowledge of P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosângela V Andrade
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
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31
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Marquez AS, Vicentini AP, Ono MA, Watanabe MAE, de Camargo ZP, Itano EN. Reactivity of antibodies from patients with acute and chronic paracoccidioidomycosis to a high molecular mass antigen from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Clin Lab Anal 2005; 19:199-204. [PMID: 16170813 PMCID: PMC6808110 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.20078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeast forms of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis produce polydispersed high molecular mass (h-MM) antigens. We investigated the antibodies to an h-MM antigen from P. brasiliensis by immunoblotting and ELISA in sera from paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patients. IgG from the sera of chronic PCM patients was able to recognize the h-MM antigen at a higher frequency in the cell-free antigen (CFA) (8/13) than in the somatic antigen (SA) (2/13), as assessed by immunoblotting. The CFA was fractionated by Sephadex G-200 chromatography, and fraction 17 (F17) with the h-MM antigen of approximately 366 kDa was used in ELISA to analyze specific levels of IgG and IgE. Patients with the chronic form showed significantly higher levels of IgG (P<0.05) but not IgE (P>0.05) to F17 by ELISA, compared to patients with the acute form or to healthy donors. In conclusion, CFA is better than SA as a source of the P. brasiliensis h-MM antigen. This study reveals a new characteristic to differentiate between the acute and chronic forms of PCM, by demonstrating a higher level of seric IgG to h-MM antigen in chronic compared to acute PCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Marquez
- Biological and Health Center, UNOPAR and Microbiology Postgraduation Program, UEL, Londrina, Brazil
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32
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Ferreira KS, Lopes JD, Almeida SR. Down-regulation of dendritic cell activation induced by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Immunol Lett 2005; 94:107-14. [PMID: 15234542 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2004.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Revised: 04/08/2004] [Accepted: 04/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) endemic in Latin America, is a progressive systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). The infection can evolve to different clinical forms that are associated to various degrees of suppressed cell-mediated immunity. With the recognition that DCs are able to initiate response in naïve T cells and that they also participate in Th cell education, the present study was undertaken to check whether DCs interact with P. brasiliensis, as well as to elucidate possible mechanisms and consequences of this interaction. Our results indicate that P. brasiliensis infection and purified gp43, its main antigenic component, lead to down-regulation of MHC-II and adhesion properties of immature DCs. The down-regulation was also observed in LPS-induced DC maturation. In addition, an inhibition of IL-12 and TNF-alpha production by both P. brasileinsis or gp43, was observed in LPS-induced DC maturation. These results suggest that protein, released in great amounts by the fungus, might be used, to reduce the effectiveness of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Spadari Ferreira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 17, CEP: 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lima RFD, Santos Brito MMD, Schäffer GMV, Lima OCD, Borba CDM. Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo dimorphism of Sporothrix schenckii, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates after preservation in mineral oil. Can J Microbiol 2004; 50:445-9. [PMID: 15284890 DOI: 10.1139/w04-026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Morphological differentiation has commanded attention for its putative impact on the pathogenesis of invasive fungal infections. We evaluated in vitro and in vivo the dimorphism from mycelial to yeast-phase of Sporothrix schenckii, Blastomyces dermatitidis and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates, two strains for each species, preserved in mineral oil. S. schenckii strains showed typical micromorphology at 25 degrees C but one strain was unable to complete the dimorphic process in vitro. After in vivo passage through mice the strains had the ability to turn into yeast-like cells and to form colonies on brain-heart infusion medium at 36 degrees C. B. dermatitidis strains grew as dirty white to brownish membranous colonies at 25 degrees C and their micromorphology showed thin filaments with single hyaline conidia. At 36 degrees C the colonies did not differ from those grown at 25 degrees C, but produced a transitional micromorphology. P. brasiliensis strains grew as cream-colored cerebriform colonies at 25 degrees C showing a transitional morphology. B. dermatitidis and P. brasiliensis strains did not turn into yeast-like cells in vivo. The present results demonstrate that B. dermatitidis and P. brasiliensis strains were unable to complete the dimorphic process even after in vivo passage, in contrast to the S. schenckii strain.
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Souza EB, Lopes JD, Almeida SR. B and T cell responses elicited by monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody (Ab2beta) mimicking gp43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Clin Exp Immunol 2004; 137:123-8. [PMID: 15196252 PMCID: PMC1809080 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2004.02507.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, with a high prevalence in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. The aetiological agent of disease is the thermal dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. A glycoprotein of 43 kD (gp43) is the major antigen of P. brasiliensis. Antibodies directed to this antigen are detected in the sera of all patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Recently, it has been shown that mice immunized with anti-gp43 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (Ab1), induce the idiotypic cascade in the gp43 system, which produced both, anti-Id antibodies (Ab2) and anti-anti-Id antibodies (Ab3). To further characterize the idiotypic cascade modulation in mice immunized with anti-gp43 MAb 17c, hybridomas were produced. Ab2 MAbs named 7.B12 inhibited (>95%) the binding of gp43 to MAb 17c (Ab1), suggesting that this anti-Id MAb bind to the idiotope, thus fulfilling the internal image criteria. To elucidate whether Ab2 MAb could act as antigen in serological assays, instead of gp43, sera from PCM patients were tested. Using an ELISA test, it was observed that antibodies from patients and not normal serum bound to Ab2. However, the ELISA test using Ab2 bound to the solid phase made possible to serologically monitor the patients after antifungal therapy, showing an equivalent curve when compared with ELISA test employing purified gp43. Our results also showed that, when mice were immunized with Ab2beta and their cells were exposed to gp43 in vitro, a T cell proliferation response was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Souza
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas & Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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35
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Gervini RL, Vettorato G, Lecompte SM, Biasi TB, Ruthner FG, Kronbauer FL. Paracoccidioidomicose da região ocular: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura. An Bras Dermatol 2004. [DOI: 10.1590/s0365-05962004000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
No Brasil, a paracoccidioidomicose é doença endêmica que pode afetar diversos órgãos, sendo pouco comum o envolvimento da região ocular. Nessa forma, é freqüente o acometimento de conjuntivas e pálpebras, configurando-se em afecção importante a considerar no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões da região orbitária. Mesmo nas formas localizadas deve ser feita a avaliação sistêmica, uma vez que a ocorrência da paracoccidioidomicose na região ocular pode ser parte de doença multifocal. Relatam-se dois casos de paracoccidioidomicose da região ocular e faz-se uma revisão dos 55 casos descritos na literatura até o momento.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tatiana Basso Biasi
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa, Brasil
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36
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Abstract
The present study describes 21 Argentinian patients living in the province of Corrientes, who had developed oral manifestations due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. Of these, 20 patients were men and one a woman. Patients were of an average age of 39 years (range 25 to 72 years). Approximately, 76.2% of the patients were farmers. Gingival lesions were observed in 76%. Also, the tongue (71%) and the lips (62%) were frequently affected. Cytological smears and histopathology showed the characteristic fungal cells with the characteristic granulomatous inflammatory reaction consisting of lymphocytes, epithelioid cells and giant cells of the Langhans type. All patients except one had detectable pulmonary involvement. Therapy consists of long-term administration of itraconazole. Oral manifestations of paracoccidioidomycosis are characteristic in their clinical presentation. Early diagnosis and adequate therapy may prevent extensive tissue destructions. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Godoy
- Oral Clinical Pathology, Regional Hospital Ushuaia, Ushuaia, Argentina
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37
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Guereño MT, Silaf MR, Bava AJ, Negroni R, Diez RA. Decreased monocytic phagosomal acidification among chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients. Mycoses 2003; 46:397-401. [PMID: 14622388 DOI: 10.1046/j.0933-7407.2003.00916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To determine the ability of monocyte phagosomal acidification in chronic paracoccidioidomycosis, 13 patients were recruited at different times during follow-up and compared with 18 normal controls. Eight patients were studied at diagnosis, six of them also during treatment and five additional patients after ending treatment. Phagosomal acidification of monocytes, triggered by challenge with opsonized zymosan, was evaluated with acridine orange and expressed as percentage of orange-stained intracellular particles, as mean +/- SE. In comparison with controls, acidification was severely impaired before treatment (33 +/- 11% vs. 67 +/- 6%) and reached values similar to controls during treatment (73 +/- 6%, n = 6). In addition, phagosomal acidification of the patients studied after treatment (63 +/- 4%) had no difference when compared with controls. This study demonstrates that phagosomal acidification is perturbed among chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients and reverses with antifungal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Guereño
- Laboratorio de Inmunofarmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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38
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Ferreira KS, Lopes JD, Almeida SR. Regulation of T helper cell differentiation in vivo by GP43 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis provided by different antigen-presenting cells. Scand J Immunol 2003; 58:290-7. [PMID: 12950674 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2003.01291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis, endemic in Latin America, is a progressive systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The infection can evolve into different clinical forms that are associated with various degrees of suppressed cell-mediated immunity. Assuming that the effector immune response is a consequence of the preferential activation of either Th1 or Th2 subsets, in the present work we evaluated whether the nature of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) can influence the Th1/Th2 balance in vivo. It was observed that the injection of mature dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages and B cells primed the mice and induced a proliferation of T cells in vitro. It was seen that DCs from resistant mice stimulated predominantly interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), whereas macrophages activated IL-10, IL-4 and IFN-gamma-secreting T cells and B cells IL-4 and IL-10 only. Results presented here clearly demonstrate that DC drives the development of cells secreting Th1-derived cytokines, whereas B cells induce the differentiation of a Th2 phenotype in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Ferreira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicase Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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39
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Hahn RC, Macedo AM, Fontes CJF, Batista RD, Santos NL, Hamdan JS. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA as a valuable tool for epidemiological studies of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Clin Microbiol 2003; 41:2849-54. [PMID: 12843011 PMCID: PMC165335 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.41.7.2849-2854.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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
Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) has been successfully used to detect genetic variations among isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. However, the usefulness of this technique for assessing important parasitic properties is still unconfirmed. In the present work we further investigated the applicability of RAPD in revealing important intrinsic and extrinsic features of this fungus associated with geographical origin, time of isolation, source of clinical specimen, clinical forms of human disease and also in vitro and in vivo susceptibility to antimicrobial and antifungal drugs. The RAPD patterns allowed us to distinguish all of the analyzed strains, which included 26 clinical isolates, 2 animal isolates, and 1 environmental isolate of P. brasiliensis obtained from different geographic regions, confirming the strong discriminating power of this technique. A phenetic tree, build from the RAPD data, showed that although the two nonclinical Brazilian strains were set together the majority of the clinical Brazilian strains were randomly distributed through different sub-branches of a major cluster without any correlation to any of the parameters analyzed. A second major cluster, however, has grouped isolates from Mato Grosso and Roraima (Brazil) that not only were susceptible in vitro to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but also produced a good in vivo response. These results open new vistas for epidemiological and clinical studies of P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosane Christine Hahn
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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40
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Michelin MA, Figueiredo F, Cunha FQ. Involvement of prostaglandins in the immunosuppression occurring during experimental infection by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Exp Parasitol 2002; 102:170-7. [PMID: 12856313 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4894(03)00053-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether PGE2 mediates the immunosuppression observed during Paracoccidioides brasilensis infection. Con-A-stimulated splenocytes, isolated from mice on days 15 and 60 of infection, release high amounts of PGE2, this release was inhibited by the treatment of animals with indomethacin, sodium salicylate or meloxicam. The treatment of the animals with salicylate or meloxicam, but not indomethacin, enhanced the release of IL-2 by splenocytes from animals on day 15, but not on day 60 of infection. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the productions of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 by Con-A-stimulated splenocytes from mice at 15 days of infection were inhibited by treatment with salicylate or meloxicam. Indomethacin inhibited only TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production. The three treatments caused reduction of granuloma areas in the liver and lungs of infected mice. In conclusion, results suggest that the PGE2 released by COX-2 mediates the immunosuppression early on (day 15), but not during the later phase (60 days) of P. brasiliensis infection by a mechanism dependent upon IL-4 and IL-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Michelin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Immunology, Federal School of Medicine, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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41
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Hahn RC, Fontes CJF, Batista RD, Hamdan JS. In vitro comparison of activities of terbinafine and itraconazole against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:2828-31. [PMID: 12149337 PMCID: PMC120660 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.8.2828-2831.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2001] [Revised: 12/24/2001] [Accepted: 05/08/2002] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro, terbinafine is highly active against a broad spectrum of pathogenic fungi. We evaluated the activities of terbinafine and itraconazole against 31 isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The tests were conducted by using a broth macrodilution procedure. MICs, in micrograms per milliliter, were as follows: terbinafine, 0.015 to 1.0 (geometric mean, 0.1188); itraconazole, 0.007 to 0.5 (geometric mean, 0.03165). The usual therapy for paracoccidioidomycosis is sulfonamides, amphotericin B, and azole derivatives (ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole). In comparison to amphotericin B, azole derivatives allow shorter treatment courses, can be administered orally, and are equally effective. Itraconazole has as high efficacy as ketoconazole, but with superior tolerance. It is the current drug of choice for treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis. The data obtained in this study indicate that terbinafine is active against P. brasiliensis in vitro and suggest that this allylamine can be considered a new option as drug therapy for paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Hahn
- Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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42
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Botteon FAG, Camargo ZP, Benard G, Coelho RF, Chamone DAF, Itano EN. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-reactive antibodies in Brazilian blood donors. Med Mycol 2002; 40:387-91. [PMID: 12230218 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.40.4.387.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In a survey for primary paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) infection (and not the clinical disease), two groups of blood donors were analyzed. One study group was drawn from donors living in a rural area where PCM is endemic, and the other group from urban residents of a large city, São Paulo. Anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) specific antibodies (IgG) in sera were analyzed by ELISA, using crude Pb exoantigens (exoAg) and purified specific Pb 43 kDa glycoprotein (gp43). The results showed that 21% of 700 rural samples and 0.9% of 350 urban samples were positive for exoAg and gp43. To avoid cross-reactions, the sera were adsorbed first with Histoplasma capsulatum antigens and secondly with Leishmania amazonensis antigens. In the first adsorption with H. capsulatum, reactivity to gp43 fell to 12.8% in the rural group and to 0% in the urban group. In the succeeding adsorption with L. amazonensis, this reactivity fell to 12.3% in the rural group. There was a statistically greater proportion of persons with gp43-reactive antibodies in rural group than in the urban group, indicating that rural residents had frequently become exposed to Pb and contracted primary, subclinical PCM. The present report is the first epidemiological study using ELISA to detect antibodies against gp43 in blood donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A G Botteon
- Coordination Higher-Level Professional Improvement Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
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43
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Izacc SM, Gomez FJ, Jesuino RS, Fonseca CA, Felipe MS, Deepe GS, Soares CM. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression of the heat shock protein 60 gene from the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Med Mycol 2001; 39:445-55. [PMID: 12054056 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.39.5.445.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A gene encoding the heat shock protein (HSP) 60 from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) was cloned and characterized. The hsp60 gene is composed of three exons divided by two introns. Structural analysis of the promoter detected canonical sequences characteristic of regulatory regions from eukaryotic genes. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Pb hsp60 gene and the respective cloned cDNA consists of 592 residues highly homologous to other fungal HSP60 proteins. The hsp60 gene is present as a single copy in the genome, as shown by Southern blot analysis. The HSP60 protein was isolated from Pb yeast cellular extracts. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of HSP60 confirmed that the cloned hsp60 gene correlated to the predicted protein in Pb. HSP60 expression appeared to be regulated during form transition in Pb, as different levels of expression were detected in in vitro labeling of cells and northern blot analysis. The complete coding region of Pb hsp60 was fused with plasmid pGEX-4T-3 and expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione S-transferase-tagged recombinant protein. The protein reacted with a mouse monoclonal antibody raised to a human recombinant HSP60. Western immunoblot experiments demonstrated that the recombinant protein and the native HSP60 were recognized by sera from humans with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Izacc
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-Goiás, Brazil
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Souza MC, Corrêa M, Almeida SR, Lopes JD, Camargo ZP. Immunostimulatory DNA from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis acts as T-helper 1 promoter in susceptible mice. Scand J Immunol 2001; 54:348-56. [PMID: 11555401 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2001.00937.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Th1 immune responses afford protection against some pathogens like the fungus P. brasiliensis (P.b.), etiological agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). It is well known that nonmethylated CpG sequences from bacterial DNA have immunomodulatory properties and can be used as a Th1-promoting adjuvant. By analyzing the available gene sequences of P.b. we observed a high number of unmethylated CpG dinucleotides. In a murine model of the PCM infection, the isogenic mouse strain known to be susceptible presents a predominant Th2 pattern. In order to access the possibility of the genomic DNA to act as a Th1-promoting adjuvant, in vitro assays were made and indicated a significant increase in phagocytosis when the macrophages were stimulated with DNA from P.b. and in vivo assays of a decreased production of antibodies antigp43, the main antigen of the PCM system. The analysis of the antibody isotypes and the cytokine production suggested a Th1 modulation in the susceptible animals. Thus, when mice were infected with fungus plus synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), made from the available sequence of gp43, a decrease in the fungus dissemination was observed. Results herein described suggest that genomic DNA from P.b. could have a immunostimulatory function as a Th-1-promoting adjuvant in susceptible mice.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Animals
- Antibodies, Fungal/blood
- Antigens, Fungal
- Cells, Cultured
- CpG Islands/immunology
- DNA Methylation
- DNA, Fungal/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Susceptibility
- Fungal Proteins
- Fungal Vaccines/immunology
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interferon-gamma/pharmacology
- Interleukin-4/biosynthesis
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/cytology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/microbiology
- Male
- Mice
- Nitric Oxide/biosynthesis
- Oligosaccharides/genetics
- Paracoccidioides/genetics
- Paracoccidioides/growth & development
- Paracoccidioides/immunology
- Paracoccidioidomycosis/immunology
- Paracoccidioidomycosis/prevention & control
- Phagocytosis/immunology
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Souza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology-Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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45
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Miura CS, Estevão D, Lopes JD, Itano EN. Levels of specific antigen (gp43), specific antibodies, and antigen-antibody complexes in saliva and serum of paracoccidioidomycosis patients. Med Mycol 2001; 39:423-8. [PMID: 12054053 DOI: 10.1080/mmy.39.5.423.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study analyses human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis exoantigen, gp43, as well as the presence of gp43-IgG immune complexes (ICs) in 31 samples of saliva and serum from 19 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and 12 normal donors. Additional analysis of secretory IgA (sIgA) was performed on the same saliva samples. Consistent with previous findings, a significant increased specific IgG level was observed in PCM patients' saliva and serum (P < 0.05). The analysis of serum gp43 and gp43-IgG IC demonstrated a higher level in patients with PCM (P < 0.05); however, this difference was not statistically significant with regard to gp43 and gp43-IgG in saliva when compared to the healthy donors. A high level of sIgA in saliva of PCM patients compared to that of normal donors was also observed (P < 0.05). Patients exhibiting low levels of serum IgG but with high titres of IC were observed, thus strengthening the idea of the necessity to use more than one marker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of PCM. This is the first report of sIgA in PCM patients' saliva and may be indicative of a protective role in neutralizing antigens on mucosal surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Miura
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), State University of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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46
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da Fonseca CA, Jesuino RS, Felipe MS, Cunha DA, Brito WA, Soares CM. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and characterization of antigens from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Microbes Infect 2001; 3:535-42. [PMID: 11418327 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(01)01409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a fungal pathogen of humans. To identify antigens from P. brasiliensis we fractionated a crude preparation of proteins from the fungus and detected the IgG reactive proteins by immunoblot assays of yeast cellular extracts with sera of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). We identified and characterized six new antigens by amino acid sequencing and homology search analyses with other proteins deposited in a database. The newly characterized antigens were highly homologous to catalase, fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase (aldolase), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and triosephosphate isomerase from several sources. The characterized antigens presented preferential synthesis in yeast cells, the host fungus phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A da Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, ICBII, UFG, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970, Go, Goiânia, Brazil
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47
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Hahn RC, Hamdan JS. In vitro susceptibilities of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast form to antifungal drugs In-vitro-Empfindlichkeit von Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in der Hefephase fur Antimyzetika. Mycoses 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2000.00606.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hahn RC, Hamdan JS. Effects of amphotericin B and three azole derivatives on the lipids of yeast cells of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000; 44:1997-2000. [PMID: 10858371 PMCID: PMC90002 DOI: 10.1128/aac.44.7.1997-2000.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeast cells of five different strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were obtained for partial analysis of lipid composition, and sterol content was determined quantitatively and qualitatively. The determinations were conducted with cells cultured in the presence and absence of amphotericin B and azole derivatives at levels below the MIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Hahn
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Gonzalez A, de Gregori W, Velez D, Restrepo A, Cano LE. Nitric oxide participation in the fungicidal mechanism of gamma interferon-activated murine macrophages against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia. Infect Immun 2000; 68:2546-52. [PMID: 10768942 PMCID: PMC97457 DOI: 10.1128/iai.68.5.2546-2552.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis restricted to Latin America and produced by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, is probably acquired by inhalation of conidia produced by the mycelial form. The macrophage (Mphi) represents the major cell defense against this pathogen; when activated with gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), murine Mphis kill the fungus by an oxygen-independent mechanism. Our goal was to determine the role of nitric oxide in the fungicidal effect of Mphis on P. brasiliensis conidia. The results revealed that IFN-gamma-activated murine Mphis inhibited the conidium-to-yeast transformation process in a dose-dependent manner; maximal inhibition was observed in Mphis activated with 50 U/ml and incubated for 96 h at 37 degrees C. When Mphis were activated with 150 to 200 U of cytokine per ml, the number of CFU was 70% lower than in nonactivated controls, indicating that there was a fungicidal effect. The inhibitory effect was reversed by the addition of anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies. Activation by IFN-gamma also enhanced Mphi nitric oxide production, as revealed by increasing NO(2) values (8 +/- 3 microM in nonactivated Mphis versus 43 +/- 13 microM in activated Mphis). The neutralization of IFN-gamma also reversed nitric oxide production at basal levels (8 +/- 5 microM). Additionally, we found that there was a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.8975) between NO(2)(-) concentration and transformation of P. brasiliensis conidia. Additionally, treatment with any of the three different nitric oxide inhibitors used (arginase, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine, and aminoguanidine), reverted the inhibition of the transformation process with 40 to 70% of intracellular yeast and significantly reduced nitric oxide production. These results show that IFN-gamma-activated murine Mphis kill P. brasiliensis conidia through the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gonzalez
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
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Molinari-Madlum EEWI, Felipe MSS, Soares CMA. Virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis isolates can be correlated to groups defined by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Med Mycol 1999. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-280x.1999.00230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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