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Wang C, Miller N, Vines D, Severns PM, Momany M, Brewer MT. Azole resistance mechanisms and population structure of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus on retail plant products. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0205623. [PMID: 38651929 PMCID: PMC11107156 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02056-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprotroph and human-pathogenic fungus that is life-threatening to the immunocompromised. Triazole-resistant A. fumigatus was found in patients without prior treatment with azoles, leading researchers to conclude that resistance had developed in agricultural environments where azoles are used against plant pathogens. Previous studies have documented azole-resistant A. fumigatus across agricultural environments, but few have looked at retail plant products. Our objectives were to determine if azole-resistant A. fumigatus is prevalent in retail plant products produced in the United States (U.S.), as well as to identify the resistance mechanism(s) and population genetic structure of these isolates. Five hundred twenty-five isolates were collected from retail plant products and screened for azole resistance. Twenty-four isolates collected from compost, soil, flower bulbs, and raw peanuts were pan-azole resistant. These isolates had the TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A, G448S, and H147Y cyp51A alleles, all known to underly pan-azole resistance, as well as WT alleles, suggesting that non-cyp51A mechanisms contribute to pan-azole resistance in these isolates. Minimum spanning networks showed two lineages containing isolates with TR alleles or the F46Y/M172V/E427K allele, and discriminant analysis of principle components identified three primary clusters. This is consistent with previous studies detecting three clades of A. fumigatus and identifying pan-azole-resistant isolates with TR alleles in a single clade. We found pan-azole resistance in U.S. retail plant products, particularly compost and flower bulbs, which indicates a risk of exposure to these products for susceptible populations and that highly resistant isolates are likely distributed worldwide on these products.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus has recently been designated as a critical fungal pathogen by the World Health Organization. It is most deadly to people with compromised immune systems, and with the emergence of antifungal resistance to multiple azole drugs, this disease carries a nearly 100% fatality rate without treatment or if isolates are resistant to the drugs used to treat the disease. It is important to determine the relatedness and origins of resistant A. fumigatus isolates in the environment, including plant-based retail products, so that factors promoting the development and propagation of resistant isolates can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Wang
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie Miller
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Douglas Vines
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul M. Severns
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Marin T. Brewer
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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2
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Kühbacher A, Merschak P, Haas H, Liebl M, Müller C, Gsaller F. The cytochrome P450 reductase CprA is a rate-limiting factor for Cyp51A-mediated azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0091823. [PMID: 37815358 PMCID: PMC10648939 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00918-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole antifungals remain the "gold standard" therapy for invasive aspergillosis. The world-wide emergence of isolates resistant to this drug class, however, developed into a steadily increasing threat to human health over the past years. In Aspergillus fumigatus, major mechanisms of resistance involve increased expression of cyp51A encoding one of two isoenzymes targeted by azoles. Yet, the level of resistance caused by cyp51A upregulation, driven by either clinically relevant tandem repeat mutations within its promoter or the use of high expressing heterologous promoters, is limited. Cytochrome P450 enzymes such as Cyp51A rely on redox partners that provide electrons for their activity. A. fumigatus harbors several genes encoding putative candidate proteins including two paralogous cytochrome P450 reductases, CprA and CprB, and the cytochrome b 5 CybE. In this work, we investigated the contribution of each cprA, cprB, and cybE overexpression to cyp51A-mediated resistance to different medical and agricultural azoles. Using the bidirectional promoter PxylP, we conditionally expressed these genes in combination with cyp51A, revealing cprA as the main limiting factor. Similar to this approach, we overexpressed cprA in an azole-resistant background strain carrying a cyp51A allele with TR34 in its promoter, which led to a further increase in its resistance. Employing sterol measurements, we demonstrate an enhanced eburicol turnover during upregulation of either cprA or cyp51A, which was even more pronounced during their simultaneous overexpression. In summary, our work suggests that mutations leading to increased Cyp51A activity through increased electron supply could be key factors that elevate azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kühbacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Petra Merschak
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maximilian Liebl
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Müller
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Gsaller
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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De Francesco MA. Drug-Resistant Aspergillus spp.: A Literature Review of Its Resistance Mechanisms and Its Prevalence in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:1305. [PMID: 38003770 PMCID: PMC10674884 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections due to the Aspergillus species constitute an important challenge for human health. Invasive aspergillosis represents a life-threatening disease, mostly in patients with immune defects. Drugs used for fungal infections comprise amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins. However, in the last decade, an increased emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus strains has been reported, principally belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus species. Therefore, both the early diagnosis of aspergillosis and its epidemiological surveillance are very important to establish the correct antifungal therapy and to ensure a successful patient outcome. In this paper, a literature review is performed to analyze the prevalence of Aspergillus antifungal resistance in European countries. Amphotericin B resistance is observed in 2.6% and 10.8% of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Denmark and Greece, respectively. A prevalence of 84% of amphotericin B-resistant Aspergillus flavus isolates is reported in France, followed by 49.4%, 35.1%, 21.7%, and 20% in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and amphotericin B resistance of Aspergillus niger isolates is observed in Greece and Belgium with a prevalence of 75% and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, the most studied mold obtained from the included studies, is 0.3% in Austria, 1% in Greece, 1.2% in Switzerland, 2.1% in France, 3.9% in Portugal, 4.9% in Italy, 5.3% in Germany, 6.1% in Denmark, 7.4% in Spain, 8.3% in Belgium, 11% in the Netherlands, and 13.2% in the United Kingdom. The mechanism of resistance is mainly driven by the TR34/L98H mutation. In Europe, no in vivo resistance is reported for echinocandins. Future studies are needed to implement the knowledge on the spread of drug-resistant Aspergillus spp. with the aim of defining optimal treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Microbiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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4
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Gamaletsou MN, Rammaert B, Brause B, Bueno MA, Dadwal SS, Henry MW, Katragkou A, Kontoyiannis DP, McCarthy MW, Miller AO, Moriyama B, Pana ZD, Petraitiene R, Petraitis V, Roilides E, Sarkis JP, Simitsopoulou M, Sipsas NV, Taj-Aldeen SJ, Zeller V, Lortholary O, Walsh TJ. Osteoarticular Mycoses. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0008619. [PMID: 36448782 PMCID: PMC9769674 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00086-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarticular mycoses are chronic debilitating infections that require extended courses of antifungal therapy and may warrant expert surgical intervention. As there has been no comprehensive review of these diseases, the International Consortium for Osteoarticular Mycoses prepared a definitive treatise for this important class of infections. Among the etiologies of osteoarticular mycoses are Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, dematiaceous fungi, non-Aspergillus hyaline molds, and endemic mycoses, including those caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccidioides species. This review analyzes the history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, inflammatory biomarkers, diagnostic imaging modalities, treatments, and outcomes of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by these organisms. Candida osteomyelitis and Candida arthritis are associated with greater events of hematogenous dissemination than those of most other osteoarticular mycoses. Traumatic inoculation is more commonly associated with osteoarticular mycoses caused by Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. Synovial fluid cultures are highly sensitive in the detection of Candida and Aspergillus arthritis. Relapsed infection, particularly in Candida arthritis, may develop in relation to an inadequate duration of therapy. Overall mortality reflects survival from disseminated infection and underlying host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N. Gamaletsou
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Blandine Rammaert
- Université de Poitiers, Faculté de médecine, CHU de Poitiers, INSERM U1070, Poitiers, France
| | - Barry Brause
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marimelle A. Bueno
- Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Manilla, Philippines
| | | | - Michael W. Henry
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aspasia Katragkou
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Matthew W. McCarthy
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andy O. Miller
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Zoi Dorothea Pana
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ruta Petraitiene
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Roilides
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Maria Simitsopoulou
- Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Laiko General Hospital of Athens and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Valérie Zeller
- Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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5
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Celia-Sanchez BN, Mangum B, Brewer M, Momany M. Analysis of Cyp51 protein sequences shows 4 major Cyp51 gene family groups across fungi. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac249. [PMID: 36130263 PMCID: PMC9635630 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Azole drugs target fungal sterol biosynthesis and are used to treat millions of human fungal infections each year. Resistance to azole drugs has emerged in multiple fungal pathogens including Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The most well-studied resistance mechanism in A. fumigatus arises from missense mutations in the coding sequence combined with a tandem repeat in the promoter of cyp51A, which encodes a cytochrome P450 enzyme in the fungal sterol biosynthesis pathway. Filamentous members of Ascomycota such as A. fumigatus have either 1 or 2 of 3 Cyp51 paralogs (Cyp51A, Cyp51B, and Cyp51C). Most previous research in A. fumigatus has focused on Cyp51A due to its role in azole resistance. We used the A. fumigatus Cyp51A protein sequence as the query in database searches to identify Cyp51 proteins across fungi. We found 435 Cyp51 proteins in 295 species spanning from early-diverging fungi (Blastocladiomycota, Chytridiomycota, Zoopagomycota, and Mucormycota) to late-diverging fungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota). We found these sequences formed 4 major Cyp51 groups: Cyp51, Cyp51A, Cyp51B, and Cyp51C. Surprisingly, we found all filamentous Ascomycota had a Cyp51B paralog, while only 50% had a Cyp51A paralog. We created maximum likelihood trees to investigate the evolution of Cyp51 in fungi. Our results suggest Cyp51 is present in all fungi with 3 paralogs emerging in Pezizomycotina, including Cyp51C which appears to have diverged from the progenitor of the Cyp51A and Cyp51B groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon Mangum
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Marin Brewer
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30606, USA
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6
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Tsantes AG, Papadopoulos DV, Markou E, Zarokostas K, Sokou R, Trikoupis I, Mavrogenis AF, Houhoula D, Piovani D, Bonovas S, Tsantes AE, Tsakris A, Vrioni G. Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections: an updated systematic review on the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of 186 confirmed cases. Med Mycol 2022; 60:myac052. [PMID: 35867975 PMCID: PMC9849853 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections are destructive opportunistic infections, while there is no clear consensus on their management. The purpose of this review is to investigate the current literature regarding Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections. An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted considering studies that assessed osteoarticular infections from Aspergillus spp. We included only studies with biopsy proven documentation of positive cultures or histological findings for Aspergillus spp., and those with essential information for each case such as the anatomical location of the infection, the type of treatment (conservative, surgical, combination), the antifungal therapy, and the outcome. Overall, 148 studies from 1965 to 2021 including 186 patients were included in the review. One hundred and seven (57.5%) patients underwent surgical debridement in addition to antifungal therapy, while 79 (42.7%) patients were treated only conservatively. Complete infection resolution was reported in 107 (57.5%) patients, while partial resolution in 29 (15.5%) patients. Surgical debridement resulted in higher complete infection resolution rate compared to only antifungal therapy (70.0% vs. 40.5%, P < 0.001), while complete resolution rate was similar for antifungal monotherapy and combination/sequential therapy (58.3% vs. 54.5%; P = 0.76). Last, complete resolution rate was also similar for monotherapy with amphotericin B (58.1%) and voriconazole (58.6%; P = 0.95). The results of this study indicate that antifungal monotherapy has similar efficacy with combination/sequential therapy, while voriconazole has similar efficacy with amphotericin B. Moreover, surgical debridement of the infected focus results in better outcomes in terms of infection eradication compared to conservative treatment. LAY SUMMARY Antifungal monotherapy has similar efficacy with combination/sequential therapy, and voriconazole has similar efficacy with amphotericin B for the treatment of Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections, while surgical debridement of the infected focus improves the infection eradication rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Tsantes
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, ‘Saint Savvas’ Oncology Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | | | - Rozeta Sokou
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Agios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikea, Piraeus 18454, Greece
| | - Ioannis Trikoupis
- First Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Andreas F Mavrogenis
- First Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Dimitra Houhoula
- Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attiko” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Daniele Piovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve MI, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089 MI, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve MI, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089 MI, Milan, Italy
| | - Argirios E Tsantes
- Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attiko” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
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7
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Verburg K, van Neer J, Duca M, de Cock H. Novel Treatment Approach for Aspergilloses by Targeting Germination. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:758. [PMID: 35893126 PMCID: PMC9331470 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germination of conidia is an essential process within the Aspergillus life cycle and plays a major role during the infection of hosts. Conidia are able to avoid detection by the majority of leukocytes when dormant. Germination can cause severe health problems, specifically in immunocompromised people. Aspergillosis is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and affects neutropenic patients, as well as people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These patients are often unable to effectively detect and clear the conidia or hyphae and can develop chronic non-invasive and/or invasive infections or allergic inflammatory responses. Current treatments with (tri)azoles can be very effective to combat a variety of fungal infections. However, resistance against current azoles has emerged and has been increasing since 1998. As a consequence, patients infected with resistant A. fumigatus have a reported mortality rate of 88% to 100%. Especially with the growing number of patients that harbor azole-resistant Aspergilli, novel antifungals could provide an alternative. Aspergilloses differ in defining characteristics, but germination of conidia is one of the few common denominators. By specifically targeting conidial germination with novel antifungals, early intervention might be possible. In this review, we propose several morphotypes to disrupt conidial germination, as well as potential targets. Hopefully, new antifungals against such targets could contribute to disturbing the ability of Aspergilli to germinate and grow, resulting in a decreased fungal burden on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Verburg
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
| | - Jacq van Neer
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
| | - Margherita Duca
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.V.); (J.v.N.)
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8
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Kühbacher A, Peiffer M, Hortschansky P, Merschak P, Bromley MJ, Haas H, Brakhage AA, Gsaller F. Azole Resistance-Associated Regulatory Motifs within the Promoter of cyp51A in Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0120922. [PMID: 35575535 PMCID: PMC9241776 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01209-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the deadliest fungal species, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Because azoles provide the preferred first-line option for treatment of aspergillosis, the increase in rates of resistance and the poor therapeutic outcomes for patients infected with a resistant isolate constitute a serious global health threat. Azole resistance is frequently associated with specific tandem repeat duplications of a promoter element upstream of cyp51A, the gene that encodes the target for this drug class in A. fumigatus. This promoter element is recognized by the activating transcription factors SrbA and AtrR. This region also provides a docking platform for the CCAAT-binding complex (CBC) and HapX, which cooperate in the regulation of genes involved in iron-consuming pathways, including cyp51A. Here, we studied the regulatory contributions of SrbA, AtrR, CBC, and HapX binding sites to cyp51A expression and azole resistance under different iron availability employing promoter mutational analysis and protein-DNA interaction analysis. This strategy revealed iron status-dependent and -independent roles of these regulatory elements. We show that promoter occupation by both AtrR and SrbA is required for iron-independent steady-state transcriptional activation of cyp51A and its induction during short-term iron exposure relies on HapX binding. We further reveal the HapX binding site as a repressor element, disruption of which increases cyp51A expression and azole resistance regardless of iron availability. IMPORTANCE First-line treatment of aspergillosis typically involves the use of azole antifungals. Worryingly, their future clinical use is challenged by an alarming increase in resistance. Therapeutic outcomes for such patients are poor due to delays in switching to alternative treatments and reduced efficacy of salvage therapeutics. Our lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underpin resistance hampers our ability to develop novel therapeutic interventions. In this work, we dissect the regulatory motifs associated with azole resistance in the promoter of the gene that encodes the azole drug target Cyp51A. These motifs include binding platforms for SrbA and AtrR, as well as the CCAAT-binding complex and HapX. Employing mutational analyses, we uncovered crucial cyp51A-activating and -repressing functions of the binding sites. Remarkably, disrupting binding of the iron regulator HapX increased cyp51A expression and azole resistance in an iron-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kühbacher
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mandy Peiffer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Petra Merschak
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity, and Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Fabio Gsaller
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Zhou D, Wang R, Li X, Peng B, Yang G, Zhang KQ, Zhang Y, Xu J. Genetic Diversity and Azole Resistance Among Natural Aspergillus fumigatus Populations in Yunnan, China. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:869-885. [PMID: 34279697 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of azole resistance alleles in clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus is a global human health concern and endangers the "One Health" approach in our fight against antifungal resistance (AFR) in this pathogen. A major challenge to combat AFR in A. fumigatus is the massive aerial dispersal ability of its asexual spores. Our recent fine-scale survey of greenhouse populations of A. fumigatus near Kunming, Yunnan, China, suggested that the use of azole fungicides for plant protection was likely a major driver of the high-frequency azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) in greenhouses. Here, we investigated the potential spread of those ARAF and the structure of geographic populations of A. fumigatus by analyzing 452 isolates from 19 geographic locations across Yunnan. We found lower frequencies of ARAF in these outdoor populations than those in greenhouses near Kunming, but there were abundant new alleles and new genotypes, including those associated with azole resistance, consistent with multiple independent origins of ARAF across Yunnan. Interestingly, among the four ecological niches, the sediments of a large lake near Kunming were found to have the highest frequency of ARAF (~ 43%). While most genetic variations were observed within the 19 local populations, statistically significant genetic differentiations were found between many subpopulations within Yunnan. Furthermore, similar to greenhouse populations, these outdoor populations of A. fumigatus in Yunnan were significantly different from those in other parts of the world. Our results call for increased attention to local and regional studies of this fungal pathogen to help develop targeted control strategies against ARAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- School of Biology and Chemistry, Xingyi Normal University for Nationalities, Xingyi, 562400, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Peng
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangzhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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10
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Mertens B, Van Daele R, Depypere M, Lagrou K, Debaveye Y, Wauters J, Nijs S, Metsemakers WJ, Spriet I. Isavuconazole in the Treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus Fracture-Related Infection: Case Report and Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030344. [PMID: 35326807 PMCID: PMC8944859 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fracture-related infection (FRI) is a rare, but severe complication in trauma surgery. The optimal antifungal treatment for Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including FRI, has not been established yet, as only cases have been documented and data on bone penetration of antifungal drugs are scarce. We describe a patient with Aspergillus fumigatus FRI of the tibia who was treated with isavuconazole after developing liver function disturbances during voriconazole therapy. Isavuconazole, the active moiety formed after hydrolysis of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate by plasma esterases, was administered in a maintenance dose of 200 mg q24 h, followed by 150 mg q24 h. The patient completed a six-month antifungal treatment course. Although fracture union was not achieved during six months of follow-up after therapy cessation, no confirmatory signs of FRI were observed. Additionally, two literature searches were conducted to review available data on antifungal treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis and bone penetration of antifungals. One hundred and eight cases of Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including six (5.6%) FRI cases, were identified. Voriconazole and (lipid formulations of) amphotericin B were the most commonly used antifungals. In three (2.8%) cases isavuconazole was prescribed as salvage therapy. Data on antifungal bone penetration were reported for itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin and 5-fluorocytosin. Isavuconazole might be a promising alternative for the treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis. However, standardized case documentation is needed to evaluate the efficacy of isavuconazole and other antifungals in the treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including FRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrijs Mertens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-34-69-57
| | - Ruth Van Daele
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa Depypere
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
- Belgian National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Debaveye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Wauters
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Nijs
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.N.); (W.-J.M.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willem-Jan Metsemakers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.N.); (W.-J.M.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Shelton JMG, Collins R, Uzzell CB, Alghamdi A, Dyer PS, Singer AC, Fisher MC. Citizen Science Surveillance of Triazole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in United Kingdom Residential Garden Soils. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0206121. [PMID: 34986003 PMCID: PMC8862786 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02061-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Compost is an ecological niche for Aspergillus fumigatus due to its role as a decomposer of organic matter and its ability to survive the high temperatures associated with the composting process. Subsequently, composting facilities are associated with high levels of A. fumigatus spores that are aerosolized from compost and cause respiratory illness in workers. In the UK, gardening is an activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages, and it is likely that they are being exposed to A. fumigatus spores when handling commercial compost or compost they have produced themselves. In the present study, 246 citizen scientists collected 509 soil samples from locations in their gardens in the UK, from which were cultured 5,174 A. fumigatus isolates. Of these isolates, 736 (14%) were resistant to tebuconazole: the third most-sprayed triazole fungicide in the UK, which confers cross-resistance to the medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections in humans. These isolates were found to contain the common resistance mechanisms in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene TR34/L98H or TR46/Y121F/T289A, as well as the less common resistance mechanisms TR34, TR53, TR46/Y121F/T289A/S363P/I364V/G448S, and (TR46)2/Y121F/M172I/T289A/G448S. Regression analyses found that soil samples containing compost were significantly more likely to grow tebuconazole-susceptible and tebuconazole-resistant A. fumigatus strains than those that did not and that compost samples grew significantly higher numbers of A. fumigatus than other samples. IMPORTANCE The findings presented here highlight compost as a potential health hazard to individuals with predisposing factors to A. fumigatus lung infections and as a potential health hazard to immunocompetent individuals who could be exposed to sufficiently high numbers of spores to develop infection. Furthermore, we found that 14% of A. fumigatus isolates in garden soils were resistant to an agricultural triazole, which confers cross-resistance to medical triazoles used to treat A. fumigatus lung infections. This raises the question of whether compost bags should carry additional health warnings regarding inhalation of A. fumigatus spores, whether individuals should be advised to wear facemasks while handling compost, or whether commercial producers should be responsible for sterilizing compost before shipping. The findings support increasing public awareness of the hazard posed by compost and investigating measures that can be taken to reduce the exposure risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. G. Shelton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, UK
| | | | - Christopher B. Uzzell
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Asmaa Alghamdi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul S. Dyer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Matthew C. Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Koutserimpas C, Chamakioti I, Raptis K, Alpantaki K, Vrioni G, Samonis G. Osseous Infections Caused by Aspergillus Species. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010201. [PMID: 35054368 PMCID: PMC8774735 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus spp. is a severe, but rare, clinical entity. However, clear guidelines regarding the most effective medical management have not yet been established. The present study is a literature review of all such cases, in an effort to elucidate epidemiology, as well as the therapeutic management and the infection’s outcome. Methods: A thorough review of all reports of osteomyelitis of the appendicular and the axial skeleton, without the skull and the spine, caused by Aspergillus spp. was undertaken. Data about demographics, imaging techniques facilitating diagnosis, causative Aspergillus, method of mold isolation, antifungal treatment (AFT), surgical treatment, as well as the infection’s outcome were recorded and evaluated. Results: A total of 63 cases of osseous infection due to Aspergillus spp. were identified. The studied population’s mean age was 37.9 years. The most commonly affected site was the rib cage (36.8%). Most hosts suffered immunosuppressive conditions (76.2%). Regarding imaging methods indicating diagnosis, computer tomography (CT) was performed in most cases (42.9%), followed by plain X-ray (41.3%) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (34.9%). The most frequent isolated mold was Aspergillus fumigatus (49.2%). Cultures and/or histopathology were used for definite diagnosis in all cases, while galactomannan antigen test was additionally used in seven cases (11.1%), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in four cases (6.3%), and beta-d-glucan testing in three cases (4.8%). Regarding AFT, the preferred antifungal was voriconazole (61.9%). Most patients underwent surgical debridement (63.5%). The outcome was successful in 77.5%. Discussion: Osteomyelitis due to Aspergillus spp. represents a severe infection. The available data suggest that prolonged AFT in combination with surgical debridement is the preferred management of this infection, while identification of the responsible mold is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Koutserimpas
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “251” Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (I.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Ifigeneia Chamakioti
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “251” Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (I.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Konstantinos Raptis
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “251” Hellenic Air Force General Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (I.C.); (K.R.)
| | - Kalliopi Alpantaki
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, “Venizeleion” General Hospital of Heraklion, 17121 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Samonis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6948712130
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13
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Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Castanheira M, Dannaoui E, White PL, Arendrup MC. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2053-2073. [PMID: 35703391 PMCID: PMC9333407 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and changing epidemiology of invasive fungal infections continue to present many challenges to their effective management. The repertoire of antifungal drugs available for treatment is still limited although there are new antifungals on the horizon. Successful treatment of invasive mycoses is dependent on a mix of pathogen-, host- and antifungal drug-related factors. Laboratories need to be adept at detection of fungal pathogens in clinical samples in order to effectively guide treatment by identifying isolates with acquired drug resistance. While there are international guidelines on how to conduct in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, these are not performed as widely as for bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, fungi generally are recovered in cultures more slowly than bacteria, and often cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Therefore, non-culture-based methods, including molecular tests, to detect fungi in clinical specimens are increasingly important in patient management and are becoming more reliable as technology improves. Molecular methods can also be used for detection of target gene mutations or other mechanisms that predict antifungal drug resistance. This review addresses acquired antifungal drug resistance in the principal human fungal pathogens and describes known resistance mechanisms and what in-house and commercial tools are available for their detection. It is emphasized that this approach should be complementary to culture-based susceptibility testing, given the range of mutations, resistance mechanisms and target genes that may be present in clinical isolates, but may not be included in current molecular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Lucio J, Gonzalez-Jimenez I, Garcia-Rubio R, Cuetara MS, Mellado E. An expanded agar-based screening method for azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. Mycoses 2021; 65:178-185. [PMID: 34806786 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Antifungal susceptibility testing is an essential tool for guiding antifungal therapy. Reference methods are complex and usually only available in specialised laboratories. We have designed an expanded agar-based screening method for the detection of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Normally, identification of resistance mechanisms is obtained only after sequencing the cyp51A gene and promoter. However, our screening method provides azole resistance detection and presumptive resistance mechanisms identification. A previous agar-based method consisting of four wells containing voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and a growth control, detected azole resistance to clinical azoles. Here, we have modified the concentrations of voriconazole and posaconazole to adapt to the updated EUCAST breakpoints against A. fumigatus. We have also expanded the method to include environmental azoles to assess azole resistance and the azole resistance mechanism involved. We used a collection of A. fumigatus including 54 azole-resistant isolates with Cyp51A modifications (G54, M220, G448S, TR53 , TR34 /L98H, TR46 /Y121F/T289A, TR34 /L98H/S297T/F495I), and 50 azole susceptible isolates with wild-type Cyp51A. The screening method detects azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates when there is growth in any of the azole-containing wells after 48h. The growth pattern in the seven azoles tested helps determine the underlying azole resistance mechanism. This approach is designed for surveillance screening of A. fumigatus azole-resistant isolates and can be useful for the clinical management of patients prior to antifungal susceptibility testing confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Lucio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Irene Gonzalez-Jimenez
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Spain.,Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016), ISCIII, Majadahonda, Spain
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15
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Arastehfar A, Carvalho A, Houbraken J, Lombardi L, Garcia-Rubio R, Jenks J, Rivero-Menendez O, Aljohani R, Jacobsen I, Berman J, Osherov N, Hedayati M, Ilkit M, Armstrong-James D, Gabaldón T, Meletiadis J, Kostrzewa M, Pan W, Lass-Flörl C, Perlin D, Hoenigl M. Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis: From basics to clinics. Stud Mycol 2021; 100:100115. [PMID: 34035866 PMCID: PMC8131930 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2021.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious health threat to humans by causing numerous invasive infections and a notable mortality in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients. Mould-active azoles are the frontline therapeutics employed to treat aspergillosis. The global emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in clinic and environment, however, notoriously limits the therapeutic options of mould-active antifungals and potentially can be attributed to a mortality rate reaching up to 100 %. Although specific mutations in CYP 51A are the main cause of azole resistance, there is a new wave of azole-resistant isolates with wild-type CYP 51A genotype challenging the efficacy of the current diagnostic tools. Therefore, applications of whole-genome sequencing are increasingly gaining popularity to overcome such challenges. Prominent echinocandin tolerance, as well as liver and kidney toxicity posed by amphotericin B, necessitate a continuous quest for novel antifungal drugs to combat emerging azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Animal models and the tools used for genetic engineering require further refinement to facilitate a better understanding about the resistance mechanisms, virulence, and immune reactions orchestrated against A. fumigatus. This review paper comprehensively discusses the current clinical challenges caused by A. fumigatus and provides insights on how to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - A. Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - J. Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L. Lombardi
- UCD Conway Institute and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R. Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - J.D. Jenks
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - O. Rivero-Menendez
- Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28222, Spain
| | - R. Aljohani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - I.D. Jacobsen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - J. Berman
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - N. Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - M.T. Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center/Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - M. Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - T. Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Programme, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, Barcelona, 08034, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - W. Pan
- Medical Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - C. Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - D.S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - M. Hoenigl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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16
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Souza ACO, Martin-Vicente A, Nywening AV, Ge W, Lowes DJ, Peters BM, Fortwendel JR. Loss of Septation Initiation Network (SIN) kinases blocks tissue invasion and unlocks echinocandin cidal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009806. [PMID: 34370772 PMCID: PMC8376064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although considered effective treatment for many yeast fungi, the therapeutic efficacy of the echinocandin class of antifungals for invasive aspergillosis (IA) is limited. Recent studies suggest intense kinase- and phosphatase-mediated echinocandin adaptation in A. fumigatus. To identify A. fumigatus protein kinases required for survival under echinocandin stress, we employed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting to generate a protein kinase disruption mutant library in a wild type genetic background. Cell wall and echinocandin stress screening of the 118 disruption mutants comprising the library identified only five protein kinase disruption mutants displaying greater than 4-fold decreased echinocandin minimum effective concentrations (MEC) compared to the parental strain. Two of these mutated genes, the previously uncharacterized A. fumigatus sepL and sidB genes, were predicted to encode protein kinases functioning as core components of the Septation Initiation Network (SIN), a tripartite kinase cascade that is necessary for septation in fungi. As the A. fumigatus SIN is completely uncharacterized, we sought to explore these network components as effectors of echinocandin stress survival. Our data show that mutation of any single SIN kinase gene caused complete loss of hyphal septation and increased susceptibility to cell wall stress, as well as widespread hyphal damage and loss of viability in response to echinocandin stress. Strikingly, mutation of each SIN kinase gene also resulted in a profound loss of virulence characterized by lack of tissue invasive growth. Through the deletion of multiple novel regulators of hyphal septation, we show that the non-invasive growth phenotype is not SIN-kinase dependent, but likely due to hyphal septation deficiency. Finally, we also find that echinocandin therapy is highly effective at eliminating residual tissue burden in mice infected with an aseptate strain of A. fumigatus. Together, our findings suggest that inhibitors of septation could enhance echinocandin-mediated killing while simultaneously limiting the invasive potential of A. fumigatus hyphae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Camila Oliveira Souza
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Ashley V. Nywening
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David J. Lowes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Emergence of Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus spp. in Latin America. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2021; 15:93-103. [PMID: 34025901 PMCID: PMC8132279 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-021-00418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Azole resistance in Aspergillus spp. is becoming a public health problem worldwide. However, data about this subject is lacking in Latin American countries. This review focuses in the epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of azole resistance in Aspergillus spp. emphasizing in Latin America. Data on Aspergillus fumigatus stands out because it is the most prevalent Aspergillus spp. pathogen. Recent Findings Azole resistance in Aspergillus spp. emergence was linked with intensive use of these antifungals both in the clinical setting and in the environment (as pesticides). Reports on azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains are being constantly published in different countries. Molecular mechanisms of resistance mainly involve substitution in the azole target (CYP51A) and/or overexpression of this gene. However, several other non-CYP51A-related mechanisms were described. Moreover, intrinsically resistant cryptic Aspergillus species are starting to be reported as human pathogens. Summary After a comprehensive literature review, it is clear that azole resistance in Aspergillus spp. is emerging in Latin America and perhaps it is underestimated. All the main molecular mechanisms of azole resistance were described in patients and/or environmental samples. Moreover, one of the molecular mechanisms was described only in South America. Cryptic intrinsic azole-resistant species are also described.
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18
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Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus cross-resistance between clinical and DMI azole drugs. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02539-20. [PMID: 33355104 PMCID: PMC8090891 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02539-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance poses a serious threat to human health and agricultural production. Azole drugs are the largest group of 14-α sterol demethylation inhibitor fungicides that are used both in agriculture and in clinical practice. As plant pathogenic molds share their natural environment with fungi that cause opportunistic infections in humans, both are exposed to a strong and persistent pressure of demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides, including imidazole and triazole drugs. As a result, a loss of efficacy has occurred for this drug class in several species. In the clinical setting, Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance is a growing public health problem and finding the source of this resistance has gained much attention. It is urgent to determine if there is a direct link between the agricultural use of azole compounds and the different A. fumigatus resistance mechanisms described for clinical triazoles. In this work we have performed A. fumigatus susceptibility testing to clinical triazoles and crop protection DMIs using a collection of azole susceptible and resistant strains which harbor most of the described azole resistance mechanisms. Various DMI susceptibility profiles have been found in the different A. fumigatus populations groups based on their azole resistance mechanism and previous WGS analysis, which suggests that the different resistance mechanisms have different origins and are specifically associated to the local use of a particular DMI.Importance Due to the worldwide emergence of A. fumigatus azole resistance, this opportunistic pathogen poses a serious health threat and, therefore, it has been included in the Watch List of the CDC 2019 Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Report. Azoles play a critical role in the control and management of fungal diseases, not only in the clinical setting but also in agriculture. Thus, azole resistance leads to a limited therapeutic arsenal which reduces the treatment options for aspergillosis patients, increasing their mortality risk. Evidence is needed to understand whether A. fumigatus azole resistance is emerging from an agricultural source due to the extended use of demethylase inhibitors as fungicides, or whether it is coming from somewhere else such as the clinical setting. If the environmental route is demonstrated, the current use and management of azole antifungal compounds might be forced to change in the forthcoming years.
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Extensive Genetic Diversity and Widespread Azole Resistance in Greenhouse Populations of Aspergillus fumigatus in Yunnan, China. mSphere 2021; 6:6/1/e00066-21. [PMID: 33568450 PMCID: PMC8544883 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00066-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the main cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA) with a high annual global incidence and mortality rate. Recent studies have indicated an increasing prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) strains, with agricultural use of azole fungicides as a potential contributor. China has an extensive agricultural production system and uses a wide array of fungicides for crop production, including in modern growth facilities such as greenhouses. Soils in greenhouses are among the most intensively cultivated. However, little is known about the occurrence and distribution of ARAF in greenhouse soils. Here, we investigated genetic variation and triazole drug susceptibility in A. fumigatus from greenhouses around metropolitan Kunming in Yunnan, southwest China. Abundant allelic and genotypic variations were found among 233 A. fumigatus strains isolated from nine greenhouses in this region. Significantly, ∼80% of the strains were resistant to at least one medical triazole drug, with >30% showing cross-resistance to both itraconazole and voriconazole. Several previously reported mutations associated with triazole resistance in the triazole target gene cyp51A were also found in our strains, with a strong positive correlation between the frequency of mutations at the cyp51A promoter and that of voriconazole resistance. Phylogenetic analyses of cyp51A gene sequences showed evidence for multiple independent origins of azole-resistant genotypes of A. fumigatus in these greenhouses. Evidence for multiple origins of azole resistance and the widespread distributions of genetically very diverse triazole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus in greenhouses calls for significant attention from public health agencies. IMPORTANCE The origin and prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus have been attracting increasing attention from biologists, clinicians, and public health agencies. Current evidence suggests agricultural fungicide use as a major cause. In southwest China, greenhouses are used to produce large amounts of fruits, flowers, and vegetables for consumers throughout China as well as those in other countries, primarily in southeast Asia. Here, we found a very high frequency (∼80%) of triazole-resistant A. fumigatus in our sample, the highest reported so far, with a significant proportion of these strains resistant to both tested agricultural fungicides and medical triazole drugs. In addition, we found novel allelic and genotypic diversities and evidence for multiple independent origins of azole-resistant genotypes of A. fumigatus in greenhouse populations in this region. Our study calls for a systematic evaluation of the effects of azole fungicide usage in greenhouses on human health.
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Wang F, Yao S, Cao D, Ju C, Yu S, Xu S, Fang H, Yu Y. Increased triazole-resistance and cyp51A mutations in Aspergillus fumigatus after selection with a combination of the triazole fungicides difenoconazole and propiconazole. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 400:123200. [PMID: 32593937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Triazole-resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is widespread. We evaluated whether triazole-resistance in A. fumigatus and its related cyp51A mutations, induced by a combination of the triazole fungicides difenoconazole and propiconazole, differs from resistance induced by the individual fungicides. Both difenoconazole and propiconazole can induce triazole-resistance in A. fumigatus. Resistance is much easier induced by formulated fungicides or a combination of these two fungicides compared with standard fungicides or individual fungicides, respectively. Six different mutations (G138S, G138D, H147Y, I246M, M263I and D430N) were identified in the induced resistant strains. The H147Y, I246M and M263I mutations were associated with triazole-resistance. This implies that the application of a combination of difenoconazole and propiconazole may result in higher triazole-resistance in A. fumigatus and more mutations in the cyp51A gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyan Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shijie Yao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Duantao Cao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chao Ju
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sumei Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shiji Xu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, the Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Perna A, Ricciardi L, Fantoni M, Taccari F, Torelli R, Santagada DA, Fumo C, Tamburrelli FC, Proietti L. Spontaneous Vertebral Aspergillosis, the State of Art: A Systematic Literature Review. Neurospine 2020; 18:23-33. [PMID: 33211946 PMCID: PMC8021829 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040338.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vertebral aspergillosis is quite rare conditions, often misdiagnosed, that requires long-term antibiotic therapy, and sometimes, surgical treatments. The present investigations were aimed to investigate the epidemiology, clinical-radiological aspects, treatment protocols, and outcomes of Aspergillus-mediated vertebral osteomyelitis.
Methods A systematic review of the pertinent English literature according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. The research was conducted on Cochrane library, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus using as search-terms “Aspergillus,” “vertebral osteomyelitis,” “spondylodiscitis,” “spine infection.” A case of vertebral aspergillosis conservatively managed was also reported.
Results Eighty-nine articles were included in our systematic review. Including the reported case, our analysis covered 112 cases of vertebral aspergillosis. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in 68 cases (61.2%), Aspergillus flavus in 14 (12.6%), Aspergillus terreus in 4 (3.6%), Aspergillus nidulans in 2 (1.8%). Seventy-three patients (65.7%) completely recovered at the last follow-up evaluation; in 7 patients (6.3%) radiological signs of chronic infection were reported, whereas 32 patients (28.8%) died during the follow-up.
Conclusion This systematic review summarized the state of the art on vertebral aspergillosis, retrieving data on clinical features, diagnostic criteria and current limitations, treatment alternatives, and their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perna
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- UO di Neurochirurgia, Pia fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinal G. Panico, Tricase, Italy.,UOC di Neurochirurgia, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea, Dipartimento NESMOS, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Taccari
- Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alessandro Santagada
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fumo
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciro Tamburrelli
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Proietti
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Arastehfar A, Lass-Flörl C, Garcia-Rubio R, Daneshnia F, Ilkit M, Boekhout T, Gabaldon T, Perlin DS. The Quiet and Underappreciated Rise of Drug-Resistant Invasive Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E138. [PMID: 32824785 PMCID: PMC7557958 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are attributable to a significant economic burden and mortality worldwide. Antifungal treatments, although limited in number, play a pivotal role in decreasing mortality and morbidities posed by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris and Candida glabrata and acquiring invasive infections due to azole-resistant C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus spp. in azole-naïve patients pose a serious health threat considering the limited number of systemic antifungals available to treat IFIs. Although advancing for major fungal pathogens, the understanding of fungal attributes contributing to antifungal resistance is just emerging for several clinically important MDR fungal pathogens. Further complicating the matter are the distinct differences in antifungal resistance mechanisms among various fungal species in which one or more mechanisms may contribute to the resistance phenotype. In this review, we attempt to summarize the burden of antifungal resistance for selected non-albicansCandida and clinically important Aspergillus species together with their phylogenetic placement on the tree of life. Moreover, we highlight the different molecular mechanisms between antifungal tolerance and resistance, and comprehensively discuss the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in a species level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Farnaz Daneshnia
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, University of Çukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey;
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toni Gabaldon
- Life Sciences Programme, Barcelona, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), 08024 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
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Brito Devoto T, Hermida‐Alva K, Posse G, Finquelievich JL, García‐Effrón G, Cuestas ML. High prevalence of triazole‐resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto
in an Argentinean cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis. Mycoses 2020; 63:937-941. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Brito Devoto
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
| | - Katherine Hermida‐Alva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Gladys Posse
- Laboratorio de Micología Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Jorge L. Finquelievich
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Guillermo García‐Effrón
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
- Laboratorio de Micología y Diagnóstico Molecular Cátedra de Parasitología y Micología Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional del Litoral Santa Fe Argentina
| | - María L. Cuestas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
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Duration of posaconazole therapy for Aspergillus fumigatus osteomyelitis dictated by serial monitoring of 1,3-beta-D glucan. Infection 2020; 48:959-963. [PMID: 32720130 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Here, we present a case of an immunocompetent 37-year old male who developed Aspergillus fumigatus osteomyelitis 16 years after extensive chest wall reconstructive surgery for Ewing sarcoma. His treatment course was complicated by a severe adverse drug reaction to voriconazole, requiring the use of oral posaconazole therapy. Serum 1,3-beta-D glucan assay was utilized to dictate the duration of posaconazole therapy. The patient successfully completed 9 months of oral posaconazole therapy and has not had clinical recurrence for 9 months off antifungal therapy.
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Danion F, Duréault A, Gautier C, Senechal A, Persat F, Bougnoux ME, Givel C, Couderc LJ, Lortholary O, Garcia-Hermoso D, Lanternier F. Emergence of azole resistant- Aspergillus fumigatus infections during STAT3-deficiency. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:844-849. [PMID: 32459615 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) deficiency is a rare primary immunodeficiency associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, notably pulmonary aspergillosis.Aim. We describe the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infections in STAT3-deficient patients.Methodology. During a retrospective study of 13 pulmonary aspergillosis cases in STAT3-deficient patients conducted in France, we identified patients infected with azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates.Results. Two out of the 13 STAT3-deficient patients with aspergillosis had azole-resistant A. fumigatus infection, indicating an unexpectedly high prevalence of resistance. The first patient with STAT3 deficiency presented several flares of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis-like episodes. He was chronically infected with two azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates (TR34/L98). Despite prolonged antifungal treatment, including caspofungin and amphotericin B, the patient was not able to clear the azole-resistant A. fumigatus. The second patient had chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA). The A. fumigatus isolate was initially azole susceptible but harboured three F46Y, M172V and E427K point mutations. Despite prolonged antifungal therapies, lesions worsened and the isolate became resistant to all azoles. Surgery and caspofungin treatments were then required to cure CCPA. Resistance was probably acquired from the environment (TR34/L98) in the first case whereas resistance developed under antifungal treatments in the second case. These infections required long-term antifungal treatments and surgery.Conclusions. The emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus infections in STAT3-deficiency dramatically impacts both curative and prophylactic antifungal strategies. Physicians following patients with primary immune-deficiencies should be aware of this emerging problem as it complicates management of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Danion
- Present address: Unite de Neuropathologie expérimentale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Aspergillus Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker Pasteur, IHU Imagine, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Amélie Duréault
- Université de Paris, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker Pasteur, IHU Imagine, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Cécile Gautier
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France
| | | | - Florence Persat
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity Unit, Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, INRA, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Claire Givel
- UPRES EA 220, Suresnes, France
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Louis-Jean Couderc
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
- UPRES EA 220, Suresnes, France
- Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker Pasteur, IHU Imagine, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Dea Garcia-Hermoso
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- Université de Paris, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker Pasteur, IHU Imagine, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Molecular Mycology Unit, UMR2000, Paris, France
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Papachristou SG, Iosifidis E, Sipsas NV, Gamaletsou MN, Walsh TJ, Roilides E. Management of osteoarticular fungal infections in the setting of immunodeficiency. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:461-474. [PMID: 32213145 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1748499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarticular fungal infections (OAFIs) complicate the clinical course of high-risk patients, including immunosuppressed individuals. Their management, however, despite being intricate, is governed by evidence arising from sub-optimal quality research, such as case series. Guidelines are scarce and when present result in recommendations based on low quality evidence. Furthermore, the differences between the management of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients are not distinct. This is a narrative review after a literature search in PubMed, up to November 2019.Areas covered: The major fungal groups causing osteomyelitis and/or arthritis are Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., non-Aspergillus filamentous fungi, non-Candida yeasts and endemic dimorphic fungi. Their epidemiology is briefly analyzed with emphasis on immunodeficiency and other risk factors. Management of OAFIs includes appropriate antifungal drug therapy (liposomal amphotericin B, triazoles or echinocandins), local surgery and immunotherapy for primary immunodeficiencies. Cessation of immunosuppressive drugs is also mandated.Expert opinion: Management of OAFIs includes affordable and available options and approaches. However, research on therapeutic practices is urgently required to be further improved, due to the rarity of affected patients. Evolution is expected to translate into novel antifungal drugs, less invasive and precise surgical approaches and targeted enhancement of immunoregulatory pathways in defense of challenging fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savvas G Papachristou
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences and Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elias Iosifidis
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences and Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pathophysiology Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria N Gamaletsou
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Pathophysiology Department, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emmanuel Roilides
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences and Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chen P, Liu J, Zeng M, Sang H. Exploring the molecular mechanism of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Mycol Med 2020; 30:100915. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2019.100915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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A Simple Method To Detect Point Mutations in Aspergillus fumigatus cyp51A Gene Using a Surveyor Nuclease Assay. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.02271-19. [PMID: 32015034 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02271-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main mechanisms of azole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus is thought to be a reduction in the drug's affinity for the target molecule, Cyp51A, due to its amino acid mutation(s). It is known that the azole resistance pattern is closely related to the mutation site(s) of the molecule. In this study, we tried to develop a simple and rapid detection method for cyp51A mutations using the endonuclease Surveyor nuclease. The Surveyor nuclease assay was verified using several azole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus that possess point mutations in Cyp51A. For validation of the Surveyor nuclease assay, blind tests were conducted using 48 strains of A. fumigatus (17 azole-resistant and 31 azole-susceptible strains). The Surveyor nuclease assay could rapidly detect cyp51A mutations with one primer set. Also, all the tested strains harboring different cyp51A single point mutations could be clearly distinguished from the wild type. The Surveyor nuclease assay is a simple method that can detect cyp51A mutations rapidly.
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Tsuchido Y, Tanaka M, Nakano S, Yamamoto M, Matsumura Y, Nagao M. Prospective multicenter surveillance of clinically isolated Aspergillus species revealed azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates with TR34/L98H mutation in the Kyoto and Shiga regions of Japan. Med Mycol 2020; 57:997-1003. [PMID: 30690480 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) in Japan is unclear. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of clinically isolated Aspergillus species and the frequency of azole resistance in Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, in the Kyoto and Shiga regions of Japan. Strains of clinically isolated Aspergillus species were prospectively collected from nine acute care hospitals. Species identification was performed by DNA sequence analysis, and all strains were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing. Sequencing of the Aspergillus cyp51A gene and promoter region and genotyping by short tandem repeats were performed for ARAF isolates. A total of 149 strains were collected, and 130 strains were included for the subsequent analysis after the exclusion of duplicate isolates. The most commonly isolated species was Aspergillus fumigatus, accounting for 43.1% (56 isolates) overall, and seven (12.7%) of 55 strains of A. fumigatus were azole-resistant. Azole-resistance of other Aspergillus species were also found that two (22.2%) of nine strains of A. tubingensis and two (28.6%) of seven strains of A. flavus were azole-resistant. DNA sequence analysis of the ARAF strains revealed that two carried the cyp51A TR34/L98H mutation, one carried G448S, one carried M220I, and three had no relevant mutations (wild type). Genotyping and phylogenetic analyses showed that the TR34/L98H strains were clustered with the strains from the Netherlands and France. These data suggest the emergence of ARAF with TR34/L98H in Japan, and continuous surveillance will be important to identify trends in resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Tsuchido
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michio Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Yamamoto
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Matsumura
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Miki Nagao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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van der Torre MH, Novak-Frazer L, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Detecting Azole-Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus by Pyrosequencing. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010012. [PMID: 31936898 PMCID: PMC7151159 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Aspergillus disease recommend a multi-test approach including CT scans, culture, fungal biomarker tests, microscopy and fungal PCR. The first-line treatment of confirmed invasive aspergillosis (IA) consists of drugs in the azole family; however, the emergence of azole-resistant isolates has negatively impacted the management of IA. Failure to detect azole-resistance dramatically increases the mortality rates of azole-treated patients. Despite drug susceptibility tests not being routinely performed currently, we suggest including resistance testing whilst diagnosing Aspergillus disease. Multiple tools, including DNA sequencing, are available to screen for drug-resistant Aspergillus in clinical samples. This is particularly beneficial as a large proportion of IA samples are culture negative, consequently impeding susceptibility testing through conventional methods. Pyrosequencing is a promising in-house DNA sequencing method that can rapidly screen for genetic hotspots associated with antifungal resistance. Pyrosequencing outperforms other susceptibility testing methods due to its fast turnaround time, accurate detection of polymorphisms within critical genes, including simultaneous detection of wild type and mutated sequences, and—most importantly—it is not limited to specific genes nor fungal species. Here we review current diagnostic methods and highlight the potential of pyrosequencing to aid in a diagnosis complete with a resistance profile to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-161-291-5941
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Azole resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus: update and recent advances. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Cao D, Yao S, Zhang H, Wang S, Jin X, Lin D, Fang H, Yu Y. Mutation in cyp51A and high expression of efflux pump gene of Aspergillus fumigatus induced by propiconazole in liquid medium and soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 256:113385. [PMID: 31662261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a major cause of clinical inefficacy in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). The hypothesis that triazole fungicides have driven the development of resistance in A. fumigatus has garnered substantial attention due to the similar structure and global detection of antifungal resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) isolates in the soil. However, there is little evidence linking the application of triazole fungicides to the emergence of ARAF in the soil. This study was conducted to test if the resistance in A. fumigatus and its associated mutations in cyp51A could be induced by propiconazole in liquid medium and soil. The results indicate that propiconazole can induce resistance by alteration of G138S in cyp51A, and the overexpression of cyp51A, AfuMDR3 and AfuMDR4. G138S in cyp51A was first detected in the soil and associated with resistance. The emergence of the ARAFs in the soil may depends upon the level of propiconazole, and the number of ARAFs in soil treated with propiconazole at 2- and 5-fold dose was much greater than those in soil treated at the recommended dosage. The current data indicate that propiconazole can induce triazole resistance in A. fumigatus and should be applied for agricultural purposes at levels at or below the recommended dosage to avoid the emergence of ARAF in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duantao Cao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shijie Yao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongchao Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Saige Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiangxiang Jin
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dunli Lin
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: A global phenomenon originating in the environment? Med Mal Infect 2019; 50:389-395. [PMID: 31472992 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant etiological agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA), a difficult-to-manage fungal disease associated with a high case fatality rate. Azole antifungals, particularly voriconazole, have significantly improved the survival rate of patients with IA. However, the clinical advances made possible through the use of medical azoles could be threatened by the emergence of azole-resistant strains which has been reported in an ever-increasing number of countries over the last 10 years. The major resistance mechanism, that combines point mutation(s) in the coding sequence of cyp51A gene and an insertion of a tandem repeat in the promoter region of this gene which leads to its overexpression (TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A), is presumed to be of environmental origin. However, the emergence of clinical and environmental azole-resistant strains without the cyp51A gene mutation suggests that other mechanisms could also be responsible for azole resistance (for example, overexpression of efflux pumps). The development of resistance may be linked to either long-term use of azole antifungals in patients with chronic aspergillosis (patient-acquired route) or selection pressure of the fungicides in the environment (environmental route). The fungicide-driven route could be responsible for resistance in azole-naive patients with IA. This literature review aims to summarize recent findings, focusing on the current situation of azole-resistance in A. fumigatus, and provides better understanding of the importance of the environmental route in resistance acquisition.
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35
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Progressive Back Pain due to Aspergillus nidulans Vertebral Osteomyelitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: Surgical and Antifungal Management. Case Rep Orthop 2019; 2019:4268468. [PMID: 31355034 PMCID: PMC6636486 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4268468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Case Report Aspergillus osteomyelitis is a destructive and progressive infection that has been described both in immunosuppressed and in immunocompetent hosts. We describe a case of lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis in a 61-year-old immunocompetent patient due to Aspergillus nidulans that was successfully treated with a combination of extensive surgical debridement, spinal stabilization, and a prolonged course of antifungal therapy. Imaging demonstrated findings consistent with L3 discitis. The biopsy grew Aspergillus fungus and was treated with vorconizole. Imaging showed progressive destructive osteomyelitis at L3-L4. Patient underwent anterior L3 and L4 partial corpectomies, anterior interbody fusion L3-L5, and posterior T11-S2 pedicle screw and rod fixation. Antifungal treatment resulted in resolution of infection. Aspergillus markers remain negative. One year following definitive treatment, the patient's back pain remains resolved. Conclusion Definitive surgical resection of the infection, spinal stabilization, and aggressive antifungal therapy were required to eradicate the infection.
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36
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Resendiz Sharpe A, Lagrou K, Meis JF, Chowdhary A, Lockhart SR, Verweij PE. Triazole resistance surveillance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538741 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Triazole resistance is an increasing concern in the opportunistic mold Aspergillus fumigatus. Resistance can develop through exposure to azole compounds during azole therapy or in the environment. Resistance mutations are commonly found in the Cyp51A-gene, although other known and unknown resistance mechanisms may be present. Surveillance studies show triazole resistance in six continents, although the presence of resistance remains unknown in many countries. In most countries, resistance mutations associated with the environment dominate, but it remains unclear if these resistance traits predominately migrate or arise locally. Patients with triazole-resistant aspergillus disease may fail to antifungal therapy, but only a limited number of cohort studies have been performed that show conflicting results. Treatment failure might be due to diagnostic delay or due to the limited number of alternative treatment options. The ISHAM/ECMM Aspergillus Resistance Surveillance working group was set up to facilitate surveillance studies and stimulate international collaborations. Important aims are to determine the resistance epidemiology in countries where this information is currently lacking, to gain more insight in the clinical implications of triazole resistance through a registry and to unify nomenclature through consensus definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Resendiz Sharpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shawn R Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Arikan-Akdagli S, Ghannoum M, Meis JF. Antifungal Resistance: Specific Focus on Multidrug Resistance in Candida auris and Secondary Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040129. [PMID: 30563053 PMCID: PMC6308933 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifungal resistance is a topic of concern, particularly for specific fungal species and drugs. Among these are the multidrug-resistant Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. While the knowledge on molecular mechanisms of resistance is now accumulating, further data are also available for the clinical implications and the extent of correlation of in vitro resistance to clinical outcomes. This review article summarizes the epidemiology of C. auris infections, animal models focusing on the activity of novel antifungal compounds in C. auris infections, virulence factors, and the mechanisms of antifungal resistance for this multi-resistant Candida species. Regarding A. fumigatus, the significance of azoles in the treatment of A. fumigatus infections, reference methods available for the detection of resistance in vitro, molecular mechanisms of secondary azole resistance, routes of acquisition, and clinical implications of in vitro resistance are covered to provide guidance for the current status of azole resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Mycology Laboratory, Hacettepe University Medical School, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mahmoud Ghannoum
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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38
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Buil JB, Hagen F, Chowdhary A, Verweij PE, Meis JF. Itraconazole, Voriconazole, and Posaconazole CLSI MIC Distributions for Wild-Type and Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E103. [PMID: 30158470 PMCID: PMC6162657 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is most frequently conferred by mutations in the cyp51A gene encoding 14α-sterol demethylases. TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A are the two most common mutations associated with environmental resistance selection. We studied the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution of clinical A. fumigatus isolates to characterize the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) susceptibility profiles of isolates with the wild-type (WT) cyp51A genotype, and isolates with the TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A cyp51A mutations. Susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI M38-A2. The MICs of 363 A. fumigatus isolates were used in this study. Based on the CLSI epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs), 141 isolates were phenotypically non-WT and 222 isolates had a phenotypically WT susceptibility. All isolates with the TR34/L98H mutation had an itraconazole MIC > 1 mg/L which is above the CLSI ECV. Eighty-six of 89 (97%) isolates with the TR34/L98H mutation had voriconazole and posaconazole MICs above the CLSI ECV, i.e., MICs of 1 and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. The isolates with a TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation showed a different phenotype. All 37 isolates with a TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation had a voriconazole MIC above the CLSI ECV, while 28/37 (76%) isolates had an itraconazole MIC > 1 mg/L. Interestingly, only 13 of 37 (35%) isolates had a posaconazole MIC > 0.25 mg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem B Buil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India.
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Garcia-Rubio R, Escribano P, Gomez A, Guinea J, Mellado E. Comparison of Two Highly Discriminatory Typing Methods to Analyze Aspergillus fumigatus Azole Resistance. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1626. [PMID: 30079058 PMCID: PMC6062602 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus molecular typing has become increasingly more important for detecting outbreaks as well as for local and global epidemiological investigations and surveillance. Over the years, many different molecular methods have been described for genotyping this species. Some outstanding approaches are based on microsatellite markers (STRAf assay, which is the current gold standard), or based on sequencing data (TRESP typing improved in this work with a new marker and was renamed TRESPERG). Both methodologies were used to type a collection of 212 A. fumigatus isolates that included 70 azole resistant strains with diverse resistance mechanisms from different geographic locations. Our results showed that both methods are totally reliable for epidemiological investigations showing similar stratification of the A. fumigatus population. STRAf assay offered higher discriminatory power (D = 0.9993) than the TRESPERG typing method (D = 0.9972), but the latter does not require specific equipment or skilled personnel, allowing for a prompt integration into any clinical microbiology laboratory. Among azole resistant isolates, two groups were differentiated considering their resistance mechanisms: cyp51A single point mutations (G54, M220, or G448), and promoter tandem repeat integrations with or without cyp51A modifications (TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/A289T, or TR53). The genotypic differences were assessed to explore the population structure as well as the genetic relationship between strains and their azole resistance profile. Genetic cluster analyses suggested that our A. fumigatus population was formed by 6–7 clusters, depending on the methodology. Also, the azole susceptible and resistance population showed different structure and organization. The combination of both methodologies resolved the population structure in a similar way to what has been described in whole-genome sequencing works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Escribano
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gomez
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesus Guinea
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Garcia-Rubio R, Monzon S, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Cuesta I, Mellado E. Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Strains: The Reference Genome as a Matter of Concern. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E363. [PMID: 30029559 PMCID: PMC6071029 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold and a major pathogen in immunocompromised patients. The effectiveness of triazole compounds, the A. fumigatus first line treatment, is being threatened by a rapid and global emergence of azole resistance. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as an invaluable tool for the analysis of genetic differences between A. fumigatus strains, their genetic background, and antifungal resistance development. Although WGS analyses can provide a valuable amount of novel information, there are some limitations that should be considered. These analyses, based on genome-wide comparative data and single nucleotide variant (SNV) calling, are dependent on the quality of sequencing, assembling, the variant calling criteria, as well as on the suitable selection of the reference genome, which must be genetically close to the genomes included in the analysis. In this study, 28 A. fumigatus genomes sequenced in-house and 73 available in public data bases have been analyzed. All genomes were distributed in four clusters and showed a variable number of SNVs depending on the genome used as reference (Af293 or A1163). Each reference genome belonged to a different cluster. The results highlighted the importance of choosing the most suitable A. fumigatus reference genome to avoid misleading conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sara Monzon
- Bioinformatics Unit, Common Scientific Technical Units, ISCIII, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel Cuesta
- Bioinformatics Unit, Common Scientific Technical Units, ISCIII, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
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41
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Song J, Zhang S, Lu L. Fungal cytochrome P450 protein Cyp51: What we can learn from its evolution, regulons and Cyp51-based azole resistance. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Ullmann AJ, Aguado JM, Arikan-Akdagli S, Denning DW, Groll AH, Lagrou K, Lass-Flörl C, Lewis RE, Munoz P, Verweij PE, Warris A, Ader F, Akova M, Arendrup MC, Barnes RA, Beigelman-Aubry C, Blot S, Bouza E, Brüggemann RJM, Buchheidt D, Cadranel J, Castagnola E, Chakrabarti A, Cuenca-Estrella M, Dimopoulos G, Fortun J, Gangneux JP, Garbino J, Heinz WJ, Herbrecht R, Heussel CP, Kibbler CC, Klimko N, Kullberg BJ, Lange C, Lehrnbecher T, Löffler J, Lortholary O, Maertens J, Marchetti O, Meis JF, Pagano L, Ribaud P, Richardson M, Roilides E, Ruhnke M, Sanguinetti M, Sheppard DC, Sinkó J, Skiada A, Vehreschild MJGT, Viscoli C, Cornely OA. Diagnosis and management of Aspergillus diseases: executive summary of the 2017 ESCMID-ECMM-ERS guideline. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24 Suppl 1:e1-e38. [PMID: 29544767 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 839] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the European Respiratory Society Joint Clinical Guidelines focus on diagnosis and management of aspergillosis. Of the numerous recommendations, a few are summarized here. Chest computed tomography as well as bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with suspicion of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA) are strongly recommended. For diagnosis, direct microscopy, preferably using optical brighteners, histopathology and culture are strongly recommended. Serum and BAL galactomannan measures are recommended as markers for the diagnosis of IA. PCR should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. Pathogen identification to species complex level is strongly recommended for all clinically relevant Aspergillus isolates; antifungal susceptibility testing should be performed in patients with invasive disease in regions with resistance found in contemporary surveillance programmes. Isavuconazole and voriconazole are the preferred agents for first-line treatment of pulmonary IA, whereas liposomal amphotericin B is moderately supported. Combinations of antifungals as primary treatment options are not recommended. Therapeutic drug monitoring is strongly recommended for patients receiving posaconazole suspension or any form of voriconazole for IA treatment, and in refractory disease, where a personalized approach considering reversal of predisposing factors, switching drug class and surgical intervention is also strongly recommended. Primary prophylaxis with posaconazole is strongly recommended in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome receiving induction chemotherapy. Secondary prophylaxis is strongly recommended in high-risk patients. We strongly recommend treatment duration based on clinical improvement, degree of immunosuppression and response on imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Ullmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J M Aguado
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - S Arikan-Akdagli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - D W Denning
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - A H Groll
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Centre for Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - K Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R E Lewis
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - P Munoz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias - CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain; Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - P E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - A Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - F Ader
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Inserm 1111, French International Centre for Infectious Diseases Research (CIRI), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - M Akova
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M C Arendrup
- Department Microbiological Surveillance and Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R A Barnes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Beigelman-Aubry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - S Blot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Burns, Trauma and Critical Care Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - E Bouza
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias - CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain; Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R J M Brüggemann
- Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - D Buchheidt
- Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Cadranel
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Tenon and Sorbonne, University of Paris, Paris, France; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - E Castagnola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - A Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Cuenca-Estrella
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - G Dimopoulos
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - J Fortun
- Infectious Diseases Service, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J-P Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Garbino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - W J Heinz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R Herbrecht
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - C P Heussel
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Thoracic Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C C Kibbler
- Centre for Medical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - N Klimko
- Department of Clinical Mycology, Allergy and Immunology, North Western State Medical University, St Petersburg, Russia; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - B J Kullberg
- Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Lange
- International Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine & Biosciences, Borstel, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Tuberculosis Unit, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, Lübeck, Germany; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - T Lehrnbecher
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Löffler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O Lortholary
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Children's Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Maertens
- Department of Haematology, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O Marchetti
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, Morges, Switzerland; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - L Pagano
- Department of Haematology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - P Ribaud
- Quality Unit, Pôle Prébloc, Saint-Louis and Lariboisière Hospital Group, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - M Richardson
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - E Roilides
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece; Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Ruhnke
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Paracelsus Hospital, Osnabrück, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - D C Sheppard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Sinkó
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Szent István and Szent László Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - A Skiada
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M J G T Vehreschild
- Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Viscoli
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genova (DISSAL), Genova, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O A Cornely
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Clinical Trials Center Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM); ESCMID European Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH).
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Ballard E, Melchers WJG, Zoll J, Brown AJP, Verweij PE, Warris A. In-host microevolution of Aspergillus fumigatus: A phenotypic and genotypic analysis. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 113:1-13. [PMID: 29477713 PMCID: PMC5883321 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In order to survive, Aspergillus fumigatus must adapt to specific niche environments. Adaptation to the human host includes modifications facilitating persistent colonisation and the development of azole resistance. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of the genetic and physiological adaptation of A. fumigatus in patients during infection and treatment. Thirteen A. fumigatus strains were isolated from a single chronic granulomatous disease patient suffering from persistent and recurrent invasive aspergillosis over a period of 2 years. All strains had identical microsatellite genotypes and were considered isogenic. Whole genome comparisons identified 248 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. These non-synonymous mutations have potential to play a role in in-host adaptation. The first 2 strains isolated were azole susceptible, whereas later isolates were itraconazole, voriconazole and/or posaconazole resistant. Growth assays in the presence and absence of various antifungal stressors highlighted minor changes in growth rate and stress resistance, with exception of one isolate showing a significant growth defect. Poor conidiation was observed in later isolates. In certain drug resistant isolates conidiation was restored in the presence of itraconazole. Differences in virulence were observed as demonstrated in a Galleria mellonella infection model. We conclude that the microevolution of A. fumigatus in this patient has driven the emergence of both Cyp51A-independent and Cyp51A-dependent, azole resistance mechanisms, and additional phenotypes that are likely to have promoted fungal persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Ballard
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Zoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen, UK.
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Gamaletsou MN, Walsh TJ, Sipsas NV. Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Emergence of Resistant Pathogens and New Antifungal Therapies. Turk J Haematol 2018; 35:1-11. [PMID: 29391334 PMCID: PMC5843768 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2018.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by drug-resistant organisms are an emerging threat to heavily immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancies. Modern early antifungal treatment strategies, such as prophylaxis and empirical and preemptive therapy, result in long-term exposure to antifungal agents, which is a major driving force for the development of resistance. The extended use of central venous catheters, the nonlinear pharmacokinetics of certain antifungal agents, neutropenia, other forms of intense immunosuppression, and drug toxicities are other contributing factors. The widespread use of agricultural and industrial fungicides with similar chemical structures and mechanisms of action has resulted in the development of environmental reservoirs for some drug-resistant fungi, especially azole-resistant Aspergillus species, which have been reported from four continents. The majority of resistant strains have the mutation TR34/L98H, a finding suggesting that the source of resistance is the environment. The global emergence of new fungal pathogens with inherent resistance, such as Candida auris, is a new public health threat. The most common mechanism of antifungal drug resistance is the induction of efflux pumps, which decrease intracellular drug concentrations. Overexpression, depletion, and alteration of the drug target are other mechanisms of resistance. Mutations in the ERG11 gene alter the protein structure of C-demethylase, reducing the efficacy of antifungal triazoles. Candida species become echinocandin-resistant by mutations in FKS genes. A shift in the epidemiology of Candida towards resistant non-albicans Candida spp. has emerged among patients with hematological malignancies. There is no definite association between antifungal resistance, as defined by elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations, and clinical outcomes in this population. Detection of genes or mutations conferring resistance with the use of molecular methods may offer better predictive values in certain cases. Treatment options for resistant fungal infections are limited and new drugs with novel mechanisms of actions are needed. Prevention of resistance through antifungal stewardship programs is of paramount importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Gamaletsou
- The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Department of Infection and Travel Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology and Immunology, New York, United States of America
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Athens, Greece
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Perlin DS, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Alastruey-Izquierdo A. The global problem of antifungal resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e383-e392. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Monteiro MC, Garcia-Rubio R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Peláez T, Mellado E. Could the determination of Aspergillus fumigatus mating type have prognostic value in invasive aspergillosis? Mycoses 2017; 61:172-178. [PMID: 29082564 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A clear link between mating type and virulence has been demonstrated for some fungal pathogens, but not for Aspergillus fumigatus as of yet. An association between mating type and invasiveness has recently been established. The mating type proportion (MAT1-1:MAT1-2) of 213 A. fumigatus strains was determined (48.5%:51.5%) and results were in agreement with previous studies. However, these percentages changed when the strain collection was divided into azole-susceptible and -resistant strains. The 163 susceptible strains kept these proportions, but among the 50 azole-resistant strains 60.0% MAT1-1 and 40% MAT1-2 were found. Moreover, looking at the clinical outcome associated to 27 azole-resistant strains, we found that MAT1-1 was linked to a high mortality rate (64%), whereas the rate associated to MAT1-2 genotype was markedly lower (15%). The pathogenicity linked to the Mat type was tested in a Galleria mellonella model of infection, showing that MAT1-1 strains were consistently more pathogenic than MAT1-2, independently of their susceptibility phenotype. This data would suggest that A. fumigatus mating type determination at the time of diagnosis could have a prognostic value in invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Candida Monteiro
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Peláez
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiologia, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Development and Validation of a High-Resolution Melting Assay To Detect Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01083-17. [PMID: 28893791 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01083-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains is a growing public health concern. Different patterns of azole resistance are linked to mutations in cyp51A Therefore, accurate characterization of the mechanisms underlying azole resistance is critical to guide selection of the most appropriate antifungal agent for patients with aspergillosis. This study describes a new sequencing-free molecular screening tool for early detection of the most frequent mutations known to be associated with azole resistance in A. fumigatus PCRs targeting cyp51A mutations at positions G54, Y121, G448, and M220 and targeting different tandem repeats (TRs) in the promoter region were designed. All PCRs were performed simultaneously, using the same cycling conditions. Amplicons were then distinguished using a high-resolution melting assay. For standardization, 30 well-characterized azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were used, yielding melting curve clusters for different resistance mechanisms for each target and allowing detection of the most frequent azole resistance mutations, i.e., G54E, G54V, G54R, G54W, Y121F, M220V, M220I, M220T, M220K, and G448S, and the tandem repeats TR34, TR46, and TR53 Validation of the method was performed using a blind panel of 80 A. fumigatus azole-susceptible or azole-resistant strains. All strains included in the blind panel were properly classified as susceptible or resistant with the developed method. The implementation of this screening method can reduce the time needed for the detection of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates and therefore facilitate selection of the best antifungal therapy in patients with aspergillosis.
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Molecular Tools for the Detection and Deduction of Azole Antifungal Drug Resistance Phenotypes in Aspergillus Species. Clin Microbiol Rev 2017; 30:1065-1091. [PMID: 28903985 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00095-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of azole resistance in Aspergillus species has increased over the past years, most importantly for Aspergillus fumigatus. This is partially attributable to the global spread of only a few resistance alleles through the environment. Secondary resistance is a significant clinical concern, as invasive aspergillosis with drug-susceptible strains is already difficult to treat, and exclusion of azole-based antifungals from prophylaxis or first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis in high-risk patients would dramatically limit drug choices, thus increasing mortality rates for immunocompromised patients. Management options for invasive aspergillosis caused by azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were recently reevaluated by an international expert panel, which concluded that drug resistance testing of cultured isolates is highly indicated when antifungal therapy is intended. In geographical regions with a high environmental prevalence of azole-resistant strains, initial therapy should be guided by such analyses. More environmental and clinical screening studies are therefore needed to generate the local epidemiologic data if such measures are to be implemented on a sound basis. Here we propose a first workflow for evaluating isolates from screening studies, and we compile the MIC values correlating with individual amino acid substitutions in the products of cyp51 genes for interpretation of DNA sequencing data, especially in the absence of cultured isolates.
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Sharma C, Chowdhary A. Molecular bases of antifungal resistance in filamentous fungi. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2017; 50:607-616. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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50
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Chowdhary A, Sharma C, Meis JF. Azole-Resistant Aspergillosis: Epidemiology, Molecular Mechanisms, and Treatment. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S436-S444. [PMID: 28911045 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus remains the most common species in all pulmonary syndromes, followed by Aspergillus flavus which is a common cause of allergic rhinosinusitis, postoperative aspergillosis and fungal keratitis. The manifestations of Aspergillus infections include invasive aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and bronchitis. Allergic manifestations of inhaled Aspergillus include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization. Triazoles are the mainstay of therapy against Aspergillus infections for treatment and prophylaxis. Lately, increased azole resistance in A. fumigatus has become a significant challenge in effective management of aspergillosis. Earlier studies have brought to light the contribution of non-cyp51 mutations along with alterations in cyp51A gene resulting in azole-resistant phenotypes of A. fumigatus. This review highlights the magnitude of azole-resistant aspergillosis and resistance mechanisms implicated in the development of azole-resistant A. fumigatus and address the therapeutic options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, India
| | - Cheshta Sharma
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, India
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital.,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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