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De Gaetano S, Midiri A, Mancuso G, Avola MG, Biondo C. Candida auris Outbreaks: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2024; 12:927. [PMID: 38792757 PMCID: PMC11123812 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050927] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical priority pathogen on its latest list of fungi. C. auris infections are reported in the bloodstream and less commonly in the cerebrospinal fluid and abdomen, with mortality rates that range between 30% and 72%. However, no large-scale epidemiology studies have been reported until now. The diagnosis of C. auris infections can be challenging, particularly when employing conventional techniques. This can impede the early detection of outbreaks and the implementation of appropriate control measures. The yeast can easily spread between patients and in healthcare settings through contaminated environments or equipment, where it can survive for extended periods. Therefore, it would be desirable to screen patients for C. auris colonisation. This would allow facilities to identify patients with the disease and take appropriate prevention and control measures. It is frequently unsusceptible to drugs, with varying patterns of resistance observed among clades and geographical regions. This review provides updates on C. auris, including epidemiology, clinical characteristics, genomic analysis, evolution, colonisation, infection, identification, resistance profiles, therapeutic options, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carmelo Biondo
- Mycology Laboratory, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.D.G.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (M.G.A.)
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2
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Bing J, Guan Z, Zheng T, Ennis CL, Nobile CJ, Chen C, Chu H, Huang G. Rapid evolution of an adaptive multicellular morphology of Candida auris during systemic infection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2381. [PMID: 38493178 PMCID: PMC10944540 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46786-8] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has become a serious threat to public health. The mechanisms of how this fungal pathogen adapts to the mammalian host are poorly understood. Here we report the rapid evolution of an adaptive C. auris multicellular aggregative morphology in the murine host during systemic infection. C. auris aggregative cells accumulate in the brain and exhibit obvious advantages over the single-celled yeast-form cells during systemic infection. Genetic mutations, specifically de novo point mutations in genes associated with cell division or budding processes, underlie the rapid evolution of this aggregative phenotype. Most mutated C. auris genes are associated with the regulation of cell wall integrity, cytokinesis, cytoskeletal properties, and cellular polarization. Moreover, the multicellular aggregates are notably more recalcitrant to the host antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and PACAP relative to the single-celled yeast-form cells. Overall, to survive in the host, C. auris can rapidly evolve a multicellular aggregative morphology via genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Bing
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhangyue Guan
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Tianhong Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Craig L Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Haiqing Chu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Guanghua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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3
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Omardien S, Teska P. Skin and hard surface disinfection against Candida auris - What we know today. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1312929. [PMID: 38384416 PMCID: PMC10879571 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1312929] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a global healthcare threat, displaying resistance to important healthcare antifungal therapies. Infection prevention and control protocols have become paramount in reducing transmission of C. auris in healthcare, of which cleaning and disinfection plays an important role. Candida albicans is used as a surrogate yeast for yeasticidal claims of disinfection products, but reports have been made that sensitivity to disinfectants by C. auris differs from its surrogate. In this review, we aimed to compile the information reported for products used for skin and hard surface disinfection against C. auris in its planktonic or biofilm form. A comparison was made with other Candida species, and information were gathered from laboratory studies and observations made in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Teska
- Diversey Holdings Ltd., Fort Mill, SC, United States
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4
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Horton MV, Holt AM, Nett JE. Mechanisms of pathogenicity for the emerging fungus Candida auris. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011843. [PMID: 38127686 PMCID: PMC10735027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris recently emerged as an urgent public health threat, causing outbreaks of invasive infections in healthcare settings throughout the world. This fungal pathogen persists on the skin of patients and on abiotic surfaces despite antiseptic and decolonization attempts. The heightened capacity for skin colonization and environmental persistence promotes rapid nosocomial spread. Following skin colonization, C. auris can gain entrance to the bloodstream and deeper tissues, often through a wound or an inserted medical device, such as a catheter. C. auris possesses a variety of virulence traits, including the capacity for biofilm formation, production of adhesins and proteases, and evasion of innate immune responses. In this review, we highlight the interactions of C. auris with the host, emphasizing the intersection of laboratory studies and clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V. Horton
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Holt
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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5
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Miramón P, Pountain AW, Lorenz MC. Candida auris-macrophage cellular interactions and transcriptional response. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0027423. [PMID: 37815367 PMCID: PMC10652981 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00274-23] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida auris represents a global threat of the utmost clinical relevance. This emerging fungal species is remarkable in its resistance to commonly used antifungal agents and its persistence in the nosocomial settings. The innate immune system is one the first lines of defense preventing the dissemination of pathogens in the host. C. auris is susceptible to circulating phagocytes, and understanding the molecular details of these interactions may suggest routes to improved therapies. In this work, we examined the interactions of this yeast with macrophages. We found that macrophages avidly phagocytose C. auris; however, intracellular replication is not inhibited, indicating that C. auris resists the killing mechanisms imposed by the phagocyte. Unlike Candida albicans, phagocytosis of C. auris does not induce macrophage lysis. The transcriptional response of C. auris to macrophage phagocytosis is very similar to other members of the CUG clade (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae), i.e., downregulation of transcription/translation and upregulation of alternative carbon metabolism pathways, transporters, and induction of oxidative stress response and proteolysis. Gene family expansions are common in this yeast, and we found that many of these genes are induced in response to macrophage co-incubation. Among these, amino acid and oligopeptide transporters, as well as lipases and proteases, are upregulated. Thus, C. auris shares key transcriptional signatures shared with other fungal pathogens and capitalizes on the expansion of gene families coding for potential virulence attributes that allow its survival, persistence, and evasion of the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Miramón
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | | | - Michael C. Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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6
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Carty J, Chowdhary A, Bernstein D, Thangamani S. Tools and techniques to identify, study, and control Candida auris. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011698. [PMID: 37856418 PMCID: PMC10586630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, is an emerging fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in humans. Unlike many other Candida species that colonize the intestine, C. auris most efficiently colonizes the skin. Such colonization contaminates the patient's environment and can result in rapid nosocomial transmission. In addition, this transmission can lead to outbreaks of systemic infections that have mortality rates between 40% and 60%. C. auris isolates resistant to all known classes of antifungals have been identified and as such, understanding the underlying biochemical mechanisms of how skin colonization initiates and progresses is critical to developing better therapeutic options. With this review, we briefly summarize what is known about horizontal transmission and current tools used to identify, understand, and control C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Carty
- Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Douglas Bernstein
- Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Shankar Thangamani
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Purdue Institute for Immunology, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Indiana, United States of America
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7
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Xu Z, Zhang L, Han R, Ding C, Shou H, Duan X, Zhang S. A Candidemia Case Caused by a Novel Drug-Resistant Candida auris with the Y132F Mutation in Erg11 in Mainland China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3065-3072. [PMID: 37222986 PMCID: PMC10202200 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s409708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Candida auris is a pathogen first found in external ear canal, becoming a major threat to global health. Here, we describe a candidemia case caused by a novel drug-resistant Candida auris strain. Case Presentation An 80-year-old patient, with multiple serious medical conditions, was suffered from candidemia caused by Candida auris, died 9 days after admission in our hospital. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this C. auris isolate (designated BJCA003) belongs to the South Asian clade, carries the Y132F mutation in the protein Erg11. And antibiotic susceptibility test indicated that BJCA003 is resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, not susceptible to caspofungin. In addition, this strain has multiple colony and cellular morphologies under different culture conditions. Conclusion Strain BJCA003 is a novel drug resistant C. auris strain in mainland China, the Y132F mutation in Erg11 may attribute to fluconazole-resistance, alarming that we still face more challenges about C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxia Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengwei Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haochang Shou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueguang Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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8
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Bing J, Guan Z, Zheng T, Zhang Z, Fan S, Ennis CL, Nobile CJ, Huang G. Clinical isolates of Candida auris with enhanced adherence and biofilm formation due to genomic amplification of ALS4. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011239. [PMID: 36913408 PMCID: PMC10035925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen and a new global threat to human health. A unique morphological feature of this fungus is its multicellular aggregating phenotype, which has been thought to be associated with defects in cell division. In this study, we report a new aggregating form of two clinical C. auris isolates with increased biofilm forming capacity due to enhanced adherence of adjacent cells and surfaces. Unlike the previously reported aggregating morphology, this new aggregating multicellular form of C. auris can become unicellular after treatment with proteinase K or trypsin. Genomic analysis demonstrated that amplification of the subtelomeric adhesin gene ALS4 is the reason behind the strain's enhanced adherence and biofilm forming capacities. Many clinical isolates of C. auris have variable copy numbers of ALS4, suggesting that this subtelomeric region exhibits instability. Global transcriptional profiling and quantitative real-time PCR assays indicated that genomic amplification of ALS4 results in a dramatic increase in overall levels of transcription. Compared to the previously characterized nonaggregative/yeast-form and aggregative-form strains of C. auris, this new Als4-mediated aggregative-form strain of C. auris displays several unique characteristics in terms of its biofilm formation, surface colonization, and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Bing
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangyue Guan
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhong Zheng
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuru Fan
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
| | - Craig L Ennis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, United States of America
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, California, United States of America
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Guanghua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of infectious diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Shanghai, China
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9
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Garcia-Bustos V, Pemán J, Ruiz-Gaitán A, Cabañero-Navalon MD, Cabanilles-Boronat A, Fernández-Calduch M, Marcilla-Barreda L, Sigona-Giangreco IA, Salavert M, Tormo-Mas MÁ, Ruiz-Saurí A. Host-pathogen interactions upon Candida auris infection: fungal behaviour and immune response in Galleria mellonella. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:136-146. [PMID: 34890523 PMCID: PMC8725852 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2017756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris has globally emerged as a multidrug-resistant fungus linked to healthcare-associated outbreaks. There is still limited evidence on its virulence, pathogenicity determinants, and complex host-pathogen interactions. This study analyzes the in vivo fungal behaviour, immune response, and host-pathogen interactions upon C. auris infection compared to C. albicans and C. parapsilosis in G. mellonella. This was performed by immunolabelling fungal structures and larval plasmatocytes and using a quantitative approach incorporating bioinformatic morphometric techniques into the study of microbial pathogenesis. C. auris presents a remarkably higher immunogenic activity than expected at its moderate degree of tissue invasion. It induces a greater inflammatory response than C. albicans and C. parapsilosis at the expense of plasmatocyte nodule formation, especially in non-aggregative strains. It specifically invades the larval respiratory system, in a pattern not previously observed in other Candida species, and presents inter-phenotypic tissue tropism differences. C. auris filaments in vivo less frequently than C. albicans or C. parapsilosis mostly through pseudohyphal growth. Filamentation might not be a major pathogenic determinant in C. auris, as less virulent aggregative phenotypes form pseudohyphae to a greater extent. C. auris has important both interspecific and intraspecific virulence and phenotype heterogeneity, with aggregative phenotypes of C. auris sharing characteristics with low pathogenic species such as C. parapsilosis. Our work suggests that C. auris owns an important morphogenetic plasticity that distinguishes it from other yeasts of the genus. Routine phenotypic identification of aggregative or non-aggregative phenotypes should be performed in the clinical setting as it may impact patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Dafne Cabañero-Navalon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Cabanilles-Boronat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Calduch
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Marcilla-Barreda
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ignacio A. Sigona-Giangreco
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Amparo Ruiz-Saurí
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Du H, Bing J, Nobile CJ, Huang G. Candida auris infections in China. Virulence 2022; 13:589-591. [PMID: 35441578 PMCID: PMC9037403 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2054120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Han Du
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Bing
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Guanghua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Britton SJ, Rogers LJ, White JS, Maskell DL. HYPHAEdelity: a quantitative image analysis tool for assessing peripheral whole colony filamentation. FEMS Yeast Res 2022; 22:6832773. [PMID: 36398755 PMCID: PMC9697609 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as brewer's yeast, can undergo a reversible stress-responsive transition from individual ellipsoidal cells to chains of elongated cells in response to nitrogen- or carbon starvation. Whole colony morphology is frequently used to evaluate phenotypic switching response; however, quantifying two-dimensional top-down images requires each pixel to be characterized as belonging to the colony or background. While feasible for a small number of colonies, this labor-intensive assessment process is impracticable for larger datasets. The software tool HYPHAEdelity has been developed to semi-automate the assessment of two-dimensional whole colony images and quantify the magnitude of peripheral whole colony yeast filamentation using image analysis tools intrinsic to the OpenCV Python library. The software application functions by determining the total area of filamentous growth, referred to as the f-measure, by subtracting the area of the inner colony boundary from the outer-boundary area associated with hyphal projections. The HYPHAEdelity application was validated against automated and manually pixel-counted two-dimensional top-down images of S. cerevisiae colonies exhibiting varying degrees of filamentation. HYPHAEdelity's f-measure results were comparable to areas determined through a manual pixel enumeration method and found to be more accurate than other whole colony filamentation software solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Britton
- Corresponding author: Institute for Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, John Muir Building, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH14 4AS. Tel: +32470205380; E-mail:
| | | | - Jane S White
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics, and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH14 4AS
| | - Dawn L Maskell
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics, and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom EH14 4AS
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12
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Pezzotti G, Kobara M, Nakaya T, Imamura H, Asai T, Miyamoto N, Adachi T, Yamamoto T, Kanamura N, Ohgitani E, Marin E, Zhu W, Nishimura I, Mazda O, Nakata T, Makimura K. Raman Study of Pathogenic Candida auris: Imaging Metabolic Machineries in Reaction to Antifungal Drugs. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:896359. [PMID: 35694304 PMCID: PMC9175029 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.896359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The multidrug-resistant Candida auris often defies treatments and presently represents a worldwide public health threat. Currently, the ergosterol-targeting Amphotericin B (AmB) and the DNA/RNA-synthesis inhibitor 5-flucytosine (5-FC) are the two main drugs available for first-line defense against life-threatening Candida auris infections. However, important aspects of their mechanisms of action require further clarification, especially regarding metabolic reactions of yeast cells. Here, we applied Raman spectroscopy empowered with specifically tailored machine-learning algorithms to monitor and to image in situ the susceptibility of two Candida auris clades to different antifungal drugs (LSEM 0643 or JCM15448T, belonging to the East Asian Clade II; and, LSEM 3673 belonging to the South African Clade III). Raman characterizations provided new details on the mechanisms of action against Candida auris Clades II and III, while also unfolding differences in their metabolic reactions to different drugs. AmB treatment induced biofilm formation in both clades, but the formed biofilms showed different structures: a dense and continuous biofilm structure in Clade II, and an extra-cellular matrix with a “fluffy” and discontinuous structure in Clade III. Treatment with 5-FC caused no biofilm formation but yeast-to-hyphal or pseudo-hyphal morphogenesis in both clades. Clade III showed a superior capacity in reducing membrane permeability to the drug through chemically tailoring chitin structure with a high degree of acetylation and fatty acids networks with significantly elongated chains. This study shows the suitability of the in situ Raman method in characterizing susceptibility and stress response of different C. auris clades to antifungal drugs, thus opening a path to identifying novel clinical solutions counteracting the spread of these alarming pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pezzotti
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Pezzotti
| | - Miyuki Kobara
- Division of Pathological Science, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tamaki Nakaya
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hayata Imamura
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tenma Asai
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nao Miyamoto
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Adachi
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yamamoto
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Narisato Kanamura
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eriko Ohgitani
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Elia Marin
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nishimura
- Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Osam Mazda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nakata
- Division of Pathological Science, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Makimura
- Medical Mycology, Graduate School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Forward and reverse genetic dissection of morphogenesis identifies filament-competent Candida auris strains. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7197. [PMID: 34893621 PMCID: PMC8664941 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging healthcare-associated pathogen of global concern. Recent reports have identified C. auris isolates that grow in cellular aggregates or filaments, often without a clear genetic explanation. To investigate the regulation of C. auris morphogenesis, we applied an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system to all four C. auris clades. We identified aggregating mutants associated with disruption of chitin regulation, while disruption of ELM1 produced a polarized, filamentous growth morphology. We developed a transiently expressed Cas9 and sgRNA system for C. auris that significantly increased targeted transformation efficiency across the four C. auris clades. Using this system, we confirmed the roles of C. auris morphogenesis regulators. Morphogenic mutants showed dysregulated chitinase expression, attenuated virulence, and altered antifungal susceptibility. Our findings provide insights into the genetic regulation of aggregating and filamentous morphogenesis in C. auris. Furthermore, the genetic tools described here will allow for efficient manipulation of the C. auris genome. Some isolates of the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris can form cellular aggregates or filaments. Here, Santana and O’Meara use Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and a CRISPR-Cas9 system to identify several genes that regulate C. auris morphogenesis.
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14
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Garcia-Bustos V, Cabanero-Navalon MD, Ruiz-Saurí A, Ruiz-Gaitán AC, Salavert M, Tormo MÁ, Pemán J. What Do We Know about Candida auris? State of the Art, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2177. [PMID: 34683498 PMCID: PMC8538163 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has unprecedently emerged as a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen, considered a serious global threat due to its potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with staggering transmissibility and mortality, that has put health authorities and institutions worldwide in check for more than a decade now. Due to its unique features not observed in other yeasts, it has been categorised as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other international agencies. Moreover, epidemiological alerts have been released in view of the increase of healthcare-associated C. auris outbreaks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarises the current evidence on C. auris since its first description, from virulence to treatment and outbreak control, and highlights the knowledge gaps and future directions for research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta D. Cabanero-Navalon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Ruiz-Saurí
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba C. Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - María Á. Tormo
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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15
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Possamai Rossatto FC, Tharmalingam N, Escobar IE, d’Azevedo PA, Zimmer KR, Mylonakis E. Antifungal Activity of the Phenolic Compounds Ellagic Acid (EA) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) against Drug-Resistant Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090763. [PMID: 34575801 PMCID: PMC8466507 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging healthcare-associated fungal pathogen that has become a serious global health threat. Current treatment options are limited due to drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies are required to target this organism and its pathogenicity. Plant polyphenols are structurally diverse compounds that present a vast range of biological properties. In the present study, plant-derived molecules ellagic acid (EA) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) were investigated for their antifungal and antivirulence activities against Candida auris. We also tested against C. albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for EA ranged from 0.125 to 0.25 µg/mL and for CAPE ranged from 1 to 64 µg/mL against drug-resistant C. auris strains. Killing kinetics determined that after 4 h treatment with CAPE, there was a complete reduction of viable C. auris cells compared to fluconazole. Both compounds might act by modifying the fungal cell wall. CAPE significantly reduced the biomass and the metabolic activity of C. auris biofilm and impaired C. auris adhesion to cultured human epithelial cells. Furthermore, both compounds prolonged the survival rate of Galleria mellonella infected by C. auris (p = 0.0088 for EA at 32 mg/kg and p = 0.0028 for CAPE at 4 mg/kg). In addition, EA at 4 μg/mL prolonged the survival of C. albicans-infected Caenorhabditis elegans (p < 0.0001). CAPE was not able to prolong the survival of C. albicans-infected C. elegans. These findings highlight the antifungal and antivirulence effects of EA and CAPE against C. auris, and warrant further investigation as novel antifungal agents against drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cristina Possamai Rossatto
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Nagendran Tharmalingam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
| | - Iliana E. Escobar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
| | - Pedro Alves d’Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Karine Rigon Zimmer
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Alternative Models, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, RS, Brazil; (F.C.P.R.); (P.A.d.); (K.R.Z.)
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 593 Eddy Street, P.O. Box 328/330, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (N.T.); (I.E.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-444-7845; Fax: +1-401-444-8179
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16
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Characterization of the Differential Pathogenicity of Candida auris in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0001321. [PMID: 34106570 PMCID: PMC8552516 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00013-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emergent multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen considered a severe global threat due to its capacity to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with high transmissibility and mortality. However, evidence on its pathogenicity and the complex host-pathogen interactions is still limited. This study used the in vivo invertebrate model in Galleria mellonella to assess its virulence, exploring the mortality kinetics, melanization response, and morphological changes after fungal infection compared to Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, with known high and low pathogenicity, respectively. All C. auris isolates presented less virulence than C. albicans strains but higher than that induced by C. parapsilosis isolates. Increased pathogenicity was observed in nonaggregative phenotypes of C. auris, while the melanization response of the larvae to fungal infection was homogeneous and independent of the causing species. C. auris was able to filament in the in vivo animal model G. mellonella, with aggregative and nonaggregative phenotypes presenting various pseudohyphal formation degrees as pathogenicity determinants in a strain-dependent manner. Histological invasiveness of C. auris mimicked that observed for C. albicans, with effective dissemination since the early stages of infection both in yeast and filamented forms, except for a remarkable respiratory tropism not previously observed in other yeasts. These characteristics widely differ between strains and advocate the hypothesis that the morphogenetic variability of C. auris is an indicator of its flexibility and adaptability, contributing to its emergence and rising worldwide prevalence. IMPORTANCECandida auris is an emergent fungus that has become a global threat due to its multidrug resistance, mortality, and transmissibility. These unique features make it different from other Candida species, but we still do not fully know the degree of virulence and, especially, the host-pathogen interactions. In this in vivo insect model, we found that it presents an intermediate degree of virulence compared to known high- and low-virulence Candida species but with significant variability between aggregative and nonaggregative strains. Although it was previously considered unable to filament, we documented in vivo filamentation as an important pathogenic determinant. We also found that it is able to disseminate early through the host, invading both the circulatory system and many different tissues with a remarkable respiratory tropism not previously described for other yeasts. Our study provides new insights into the pathogenicity of an emergent fungal pathogen and its interaction with the host and supports the hypothesis that its morphogenetic variability contributes to its rising global prevalence.
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Ahmad S, Alfouzan W. Candida auris: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Infection Control Measures to Combat the Spread of Infections in Healthcare Facilities. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040807. [PMID: 33920482 PMCID: PMC8069182 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, a recently recognized, often multidrug-resistant yeast, has become a significant fungal pathogen due to its ability to cause invasive infections and outbreaks in healthcare facilities which have been difficult to control and treat. The extraordinary abilities of C. auris to easily contaminate the environment around colonized patients and persist for long periods have recently resulted in major outbreaks in many countries. C. auris resists elimination by robust cleaning and other decontamination procedures, likely due to the formation of 'dry' biofilms. Susceptible hospitalized patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities in intensive care settings, acquire C. auris rather easily from close contact with C. auris-infected patients, their environment, or the equipment used on colonized patients, often with fatal consequences. This review highlights the lessons learned from recent studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, susceptibility, and molecular basis of resistance to antifungal drugs and infection control measures to combat the spread of C. auris infections in healthcare facilities. Particular emphasis is given to interventions aiming to prevent new infections in healthcare facilities, including the screening of susceptible patients for colonization; the cleaning and decontamination of the environment, equipment, and colonized patients; and successful approaches to identify and treat infected patients, particularly during outbreaks.
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