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Ferara N, Špoljar S, Lugović-Mihić L, Gverić Grginić A, Rezo Vranješ V, Bešlić I, Perović J, Regović Džombeta T. Cutaneous Hyalohyphomycosis and Its Atypical Clinical Presentations in Immunosuppressed Patients. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:154. [PMID: 38276283 PMCID: PMC10817673 DOI: 10.3390/life14010154] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There has been a substantial increase in the number of cases of invasive fungal infections worldwide, which is associated with a growing number of immunosuppressed patients and a rise in antifungal resistance. Some fungi that were previously considered harmless to humans have become emerging pathogens. One of them is Purpureocillium lilacinum, a ubiquitous filamentous fungus commonly found in the environment, especially in the air and soil. P. lilacinum belongs to a bigger group of hyaline fungi that cause hyalohyphomycosis, a fungal infection caused by fungi with colorless hyphae. Although this is a heterogeneous group of fungi, there are similarities regarding their ubiquity, ways of transmission, affected patients, and difficulties in diagnostics and treatment. In hyalohyphomycosis, the skin is one of the most affected organs, which is why the involvement of dermatologists is crucial for the initial assessment, since the timely recognition and early diagnosis of this condition can prevent life-threatening infections and death. In this review, we covered cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis caused by P. lilacinum and other fungi in the same group, including Fusarium, Penicilium, Scedosporium, Scopulariopsis, Acremonium, and Trichoderma genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Ferara
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.F.); (S.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Špoljar
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.F.); (S.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Liborija Lugović-Mihić
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.F.); (S.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Gverić Grginić
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hospital Infections, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Violeta Rezo Vranješ
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Iva Bešlić
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.F.); (S.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Judita Perović
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.F.); (S.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Tihana Regović Džombeta
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Pathology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Dinev T, Velichkova K, Stoyanova A, Sirakov I. Microbial Pathogens in Aquaponics Potentially Hazardous for Human Health. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2824. [PMID: 38137969 PMCID: PMC10745371 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The union of aquaculture and hydroponics is named aquaponics-a system where microorganisms, fish and plants coexist in a water environment. Bacteria are essential in processes which are fundamental for the functioning and equilibrium of aquaponic systems. Such processes are nitrification, extraction of various macro- and micronutrients from the feed leftovers and feces, etc. However, in aquaponics there are not only beneficial, but also potentially hazardous microorganisms of fish, human, and plant origin. It is important to establish the presence of human pathogens, their way of entering the aforementioned systems, and their control in order to assess the risk to human health when consuming plants and fish grown in aquaponics. Literature analysis shows that aquaponic bacteria and yeasts are mainly pathogenic to fish and humans but rarely to plants, while most of the molds are pathogenic to humans, plants, and fish. Since the various human pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in aquaponics enter the water when proper hygiene practices are not applied and followed, if these requirements are met, aquaponic systems are a good choice for growing healthy fish and plants safe for human consumption. However, many of the aquaponic pathogens are listed in the WHO list of drug-resistant bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed, making disease control by antibiotics a real challenge. Because pathogen control by conventional physical methods, chemical methods, and antibiotic treatment is potentially harmful to humans, fish, plants, and beneficial microorganisms, a biological control with antagonistic microorganisms, phytotherapy, bacteriophage therapy, and nanomedicine are potential alternatives to these methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toncho Dinev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Katya Velichkova
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Antoniya Stoyanova
- Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivaylo Sirakov
- Department of Animal Husbandry–Non-Ruminant Animals and Special Branches, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
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Burzio C, Balzani E, Corcione S, Montrucchio G, Trompeo AC, Brazzi L. Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia after Heart Transplantation: Two Case Reports and a Review of the Literature. Pathogens 2023; 12:1265. [PMID: 37887781 PMCID: PMC10610317 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101265] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-transplant Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) is an uncommon but increasingly reported disease among solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the introduction of PcP prophylaxis has reduced its overall incidence, its prevalence continues to be high, especially during the second year after transplant, the period following prophylaxis discontinuation. We recently described two cases of PcP occurring more than one year after heart transplantation (HT) in patients who were no longer receiving PcP prophylaxis according to the local protocol. In both cases, the disease was diagnosed following the diagnosis of a viral illness, resulting in a significantly increased risk for PcP. While current heart transplantation guidelines recommend Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis for up to 6-12 months after transplantation, after that period they only suggest an extended prophylaxis regimen in high-risk patients. Recent studies have identified several new risk factors that may be linked to an increased risk of PcP infection, including medication regimens and patient characteristics. Similarly, the indication for PcP prophylaxis in non-HIV patients has been expanded in relation to the introduction of new medications and therapeutic regimens for immune-mediated diseases. In our experience, the first patient was successfully treated with non-invasive ventilation, while the second required tracheal intubation, invasive ventilation, and extracorporeal CO2 removal due to severe respiratory failure. The aim of this double case report is to review the current timing of PcP prophylaxis after HT, the specific potential risk factors for PcP after HT, and the determinants of a prompt diagnosis and therapeutic approach in critically ill patients. We will also present a possible proposal for future investigations on indications for long-term prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Burzio
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (G.M.); (A.C.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Eleonora Balzani
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy;
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Giorgia Montrucchio
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (G.M.); (A.C.T.); (L.B.)
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Trompeo
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (G.M.); (A.C.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Luca Brazzi
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (G.M.); (A.C.T.); (L.B.)
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
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Dos Santos UR, Dos Santos JL. Trichoderma after crossing kingdoms: infections in human populations. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2023; 26:97-126. [PMID: 36748123 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2172498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Trichoderma is a saprophytic fungus that is used worldwide as a biocontrol and biofertilizer agent. Although considered nonpathogenic until recently, reports of human infections produced by members of the Trichoderma genus are increasing. Numerous sources of infection were proposed based upon patient data and phylogenetic analysis, including air, agriculture, and healthcare facilities, but the deficit of knowledge concerning Trichoderma infections makes patient treatment difficult. These issues are compounded by isolates that present profiles which exhibit high minimum inhibitory concentration values to available antifungal drugs. The aim of this review is to present the global distribution and sources of infections that affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, clinical features, therapeutic strategies that are used to treat patients, as well as highlighting treatments with the best responses. In addition, the antifungal susceptibility profiles of Trichoderma isolates that have emerged in recent decades were examined and which antifungal drugs need to be further evaluated as potential candidates to treat Trichoderma infections are also indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uener Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Jane Lima Dos Santos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Science, State University of Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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Non- Aspergillus Hyaline Molds: A Host-Based Perspective of Emerging Pathogenic Fungi Causing Sinopulmonary Diseases. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020212. [PMID: 36836326 PMCID: PMC9964096 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive sino-pulmonary diseases due to non-Aspergillus hyaline molds is increasing due to an enlarging and evolving population of immunosuppressed hosts as well as improvements in the capabilities of molecular-based diagnostics. Herein, we review the following opportunistic pathogens known to cause sinopulmonary disease, the most common manifestation of hyalohyphomycosis: Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Scopulariopsis spp., Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Arthrographis kalrae, and Penicillium species. To facilitate an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of sino-pulmonary hyalohyphomycoses in the context of host immune impairment, we utilized a host-based approach encompassing the following underlying conditions: neutropenia, hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, chronic granulomatous disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and healthy individuals who sustain burns, trauma, or iatrogenic exposures. We further summarize the pre-clinical and clinical data informing antifungal management for each pathogen and consider the role of adjunctive surgery and/or immunomodulatory treatments to optimize patient outcome.
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