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Reidenberg BE, Jenkins SG, Crandon JL, Hurlburt E, Tan X, Rhomberg PR, Arends SJR, Pfaffle A. In vitro activity of taurolidine against clinical Candida auris isolates: relevance to catheter-related bloodstream infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0038124. [PMID: 38864612 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00381-24] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an evolving and concerning global threat. Of particular concern are bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. We evaluated the activity of taurolidine, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial in catheter lock solutions, against 106 C. auris isolates. Taurolidine was highly active with a MIC50/MIC90 of 512/512 mg/L, over 20-fold lower than lock solution concentrations of ≥13,500 mg/L. Our data demonstrate a theoretical basis for taurolidine-based lock solutions for prevention of C. auris catheter-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce E Reidenberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen G Jenkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Xing Tan
- CorMedix Inc., Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul R Rhomberg
- Element Iowa City (JMI Laboratories), North Liberty, Iowa, USA
| | - S J Ryan Arends
- Element Iowa City (JMI Laboratories), North Liberty, Iowa, USA
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Khalifa HO, Watanabe A, Kamei K. Genetic Mutations in FKS1 Gene Associated with Acquired Echinocandin Resistance in Candida parapsilosis Complex. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:40. [PMID: 38704798 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00847-0] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis complex has recently received special attention due to naturally occurring FKS1 polymorphism associated with high minimal inhibitory concentrations for echinocandin and the increase of clonal outbreaks of strains resistant to commonly used antifungals such as fluconazole. Despite the previous fact, little is known about the genetic mechanism associated with echinocandin resistance. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of acquired echinocandin resistance in C. parapsilosis complex strains. A total of 15 clinical C. parapsilosis complex isolates were sub-cultured for 30 days at a low concentration of micafungin at ½ the lowest MIC value of the tested isolates (0.12 µg/ml). After culturing, all the isolates were checked phenotypically for antifungal resistance and genotypically for echinocandin resistance by checking FKS1 gene hot spot one (HS1) and HS2 mutations. In vitro induction of echinocandin resistance confirmed the rapid development of resistance at low concentration micafungin, with no difference among C. parapsilosis, C. metapsilosis, and C. orthopsilosis in the resistance development. For the first time we identified different FKS1 HS1 and or HS2 mutations responsible for echinocandin resistance such as R658S and L1376F in C. parapsilosis, S656X, R658X, R658T, W1370X, X1371I, V1371X, and R1373X (corresponding to their location in C. parapsilosis) in C. metapsilosis, and L648F and R1366H in C. orthopsilosis. Our results are of significant concern, since the rapid development of resistance may occur clinically after short-term exposure to antifungals as recently described in other fungal species with the potential of untreatable infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazim O Khalifa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 1555, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Jones CR, Neill C, Borman AM, Budd EL, Cummins M, Fry C, Guy RL, Jeffery K, Johnson EM, Manuel R, Mirfenderesky M, Moore G, Patel B, Schelenz S, Staniforth K, Taori SK, Brown CS. The laboratory investigation, management, and infection prevention and control of Candida auris: a narrative review to inform the 2024 national guidance update in England. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73:001820. [PMID: 38771623 PMCID: PMC11165919 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergent fungal pathogen Candida auris is increasingly recognised as an important cause of healthcare-associated infections globally. It is highly transmissible, adaptable, and persistent, resulting in an organism with significant outbreak potential that risks devastating consequences. Progress in the ability to identify C. auris in clinical specimens is encouraging, but laboratory diagnostic capacity and surveillance systems are lacking in many countries. Intrinsic resistance to commonly used antifungals, combined with the ability to rapidly acquire resistance to therapy, substantially restricts treatment options and novel agents are desperately needed. Despite this, outbreaks can be interrupted, and mortality avoided or minimised, through the application of rigorous infection prevention and control measures with an increasing evidence base. This review provides an update on epidemiology, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors, identification and typing, resistance profiles, treatment, detection of colonisation, and infection prevention and control measures for C. auris. This review has informed a planned 2024 update to the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance on the laboratory investigation, management, and infection prevention and control of Candida auris. A multidisciplinary response is needed to control C. auris transmission in a healthcare setting and should emphasise outbreak preparedness and response, rapid contact tracing and isolation or cohorting of patients and staff, strict hand hygiene and other infection prevention and control measures, dedicated or single-use equipment, appropriate disinfection, and effective communication concerning patient transfers and discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Jones
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Claire Neill
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infection Services, UKHSA South West Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma L. Budd
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Martina Cummins
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Carole Fry
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Rebecca L. Guy
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infection Services, UKHSA South West Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Rohini Manuel
- Public Health Laboratory London, Science Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Ginny Moore
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Bharat Patel
- Public Health Laboratory London, Science Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Department of Microbiology, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Karren Staniforth
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Colin S. Brown
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, and Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Shaban S, Patel M, Ahmad A. Antifungal activity of human antimicrobial peptides targeting apoptosis in Candida auris. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38743468 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Innovative antifungal therapies are of crucial importance to combat the potentially life-threatening infections linked to the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris. Induction of regulated cell death, apoptosis, could provide an outline for future therapeutics. Human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), well-known antifungal compounds, have shown the ability to induce apoptosis in pathogenic fungi.Hypothesis/Gap Statement . Although it is known that AMPs possess antifungal activity against C. auris, their ability to induce apoptosis requires further investigations.Aim. This study evaluated the effects of AMPs on the induction of apoptosis in C. auris.Methods. Human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1), human β-Defensins-3 (hBD-3) and human salivary histatin 5 (His 5) were assessed against two clinical C. auris isolates. Apoptosis hallmarks were examined using FITC-Annexin V/PI double labelling assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labelling (TUNEL) to detect phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Then, several intracellular triggers were studied using JC-10 staining, spectrophotometric assay and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome-c release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively.Results and conclusion. FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL analysis revealed that exposure of C. auris cells to HNP-1 and hBD-3 triggered both early and late apoptosis, while His 5 caused significant necrosis. Furthermore, HNP-1 and hBD-3 induced significant mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which resulted in substantial cytochrome c release. In contrast to His 5, which showed minimal mitochondrial depolarization and no cytochrome c release. At last, all peptides significantly increased ROS production, which is related to both types of cell death. Therefore, these peptides represent promising and effective antifungal agents for treating invasive infections caused by multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siham Shaban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mrudula Patel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Siopi M, Pachoulis I, Leventaki S, Spruijtenburg B, Meis JF, Pournaras S, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Meletiadis J. Evaluation of the Vitek 2 system for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida auris using a representative international panel of clinical isolates: overestimation of amphotericin B resistance and underestimation of fluconazole resistance. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0152823. [PMID: 38501836 PMCID: PMC11005389 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01528-23] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the Vitek 2 system is broadly used for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida spp., its performance against Candida auris has been assessed using limited number of isolates recovered from restricted geographic areas. We therefore compared Vitek 2 system with the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method using an international collection of 100 C. auris isolates belonging to different clades. The agreement ±1 twofold dilution between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) tentative resistance breakpoints and Vitek 2-specific wild-type upper limit values (WT-ULVs) were determined. The CLSI-Vitek 2 agreement was poor for 5-flucytosine (0%), fluconazole (16%), and amphotericin B (29%), and moderate for voriconazole (61%), micafungin (67%), and caspofungin (81%). Significant interpretation errors were recorded using the CDC breakpoints for amphotericin B (31% CA, 69% major errors; MaEs) and fluconazole (69% CA, 31% very major errors; VmEs), but not for echinocandins (99% CA, 1% MaEs for both micafungin and caspofungin) for which the Vitek 2 allowed correct categorization of echinocandin-resistant FKS1 mutant isolates. Discrepancies were reduced when the Vitek 2 WT-ULV of 16 mg/L for amphotericin B (98% CA, 2% MaEs) and of 4 mg/L for fluconazole (96% CA, 1% MaEs, 3% VmEs) were used. In conclusion, the Vitek 2 system performed well for echinocandin susceptibility testing of C .auris. Resistance to fluconazole was underestimated whereas resistance to amphotericin B was overestimated using the CDC breakpoints of ≥32 and ≥2 mg/L, respectively. Vitek 2 minimun inhibitory concentrations (MICs) >4 mg/L indicated resistance to fluconazole and Vitek 2 MICs ≤16 mg/L indicated non-resistance to amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pachoulis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Leventaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Garcia-Bustos V. Is Candida auris the first multidrug-resistant fungal zoonosis emerging from climate change? mBio 2024; 15:e0014624. [PMID: 38477572 PMCID: PMC11005414 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00146-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence and evolutionary path of Candida auris poses an intriguing scientific enigma. Its isolation from a pet dog's oral cavity in Kansas, reported by White et al. (T. C. White, B. D. Esquivel, E. M. Rouse Salcido, A. M. Schweiker, et al., mBio 15:e03080-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.03080-23), carries significant implications. This discovery intensifies concerns about its hypothetical capacity for zoonotic transmission, particularly considering the dog's extensive human contact and the absence of secondary animal/human cases in both animals and humans. The findings challenge established notions of C. auris transmissibility and underscore the need for further investigation into the transmission dynamics, especially zooanthroponotic pathways. It raises concerns about its adaptability in different hosts and environments, highlighting potential role of environmental and animal reservoirs in its dissemination. Critical points include the evolving thermal tolerance and the genetic divergence in the isolate. This case exemplifies the necessity for an integrated One Health approach, combining human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, to unravel the complexities of C. auris's emergence and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Melinte V, Tudor AD, Bujoi AG, Radu MA, Văcăriou MC, Cismaru IM, Holban TS, Mîrzan CL, Popescu R, Ciupan RC, Baciu A, Moraru OE, Popa-Cherecheanu M, Gheorghiță V. Candida auris Outbreak in a Multidisciplinary Hospital in Romania during the Post-Pandemic Era: Potential Solutions and Challenges in Surveillance and Epidemiological Control. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38667001 PMCID: PMC11047361 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040325] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a newly emerging yeast, which is raising public health concerns due to its outbreak potential, lack of protocols for decontamination and isolation of patients or contacts, increased resistance to common antifungals, and associated high mortality. This research aimed to describe the challenges related to identifying the outbreak, limiting further contamination, and treating affected individuals. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of C. auris detected between October 2022 and August 2023, but our investigation focused on a three-month-long outbreak in the department of cardio-vascular surgery and the related intensive care unit. Along with isolated cases in different wards, we identified 13 patients who became infected or colonized in the same area and time, even though the epidemiological link could only be traced in 10 patients, according to the epidemiologic investigation. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the substantial challenge encountered in clinical practice when attempting to diagnose and limit the spread of an outbreak. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly apply contact precaution measures and appropriate environmental cleaning, from the first positive case detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Melinte
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-A.R.); (O.E.M.); (M.P.-C.); (V.G.)
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Daniela Tudor
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Adrian Georgian Bujoi
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria-Adelina Radu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-A.R.); (O.E.M.); (M.P.-C.); (V.G.)
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina Văcăriou
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Ioana Miriana Cismaru
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Tiberiu Sebastian Holban
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Carmen Luminița Mîrzan
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Ruxandra Popescu
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Robert Cătălin Ciupan
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Alin Baciu
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Oriana Elena Moraru
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-A.R.); (O.E.M.); (M.P.-C.); (V.G.)
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Matei Popa-Cherecheanu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-A.R.); (O.E.M.); (M.P.-C.); (V.G.)
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Valeriu Gheorghiță
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-A.R.); (O.E.M.); (M.P.-C.); (V.G.)
- “Agrippa Ionescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital, 011356 Bucharest, Romania; (A.D.T.); (A.G.B.); (M.C.V.); (I.M.C.); (T.S.H.); (C.L.M.); (R.P.); (R.C.C.); (A.B.)
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Beredaki MI, Sanidopoulos I, Pournaras S, Meletiadis J. Defining Optimal Doses of Liposomal Amphotericin B Against Candida auris: Data From an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:599-607. [PMID: 38109276 PMCID: PMC10873176 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad583] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris isolates exhibit elevated amphotericin B (AMB) minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). As liposomal AMB (L-AMB) can be safely administered at high doses, we explored L-AMB pharmacodynamics against C. auris isolates in an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) dilution model. METHODS Four C. auris isolates with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) AMB MICs = 0.5-2 mg/L were tested in an in vitro PK/PD model simulating L-AMB pharmacokinetics. The in vitro model was validated using a Candida albicans isolate tested in animals. The peak concentration (Cmax)/MIC versus log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL reduction from the initial inoculum was analyzed with the sigmoidal model with variable slope (Emax model). Monte Carlo analysis was performed for the standard (3 mg/kg) and higher (5 mg/kg) L-AMB doses. RESULTS The in vitro PK/PD relationship Cmax/MIC versus log10 CFU/mL reduction followed a sigmoidal pattern (R2 = 0.91 for C. albicans, R2 = 0.86 for C. auris). The Cmax/MIC associated with stasis was 2.1 for C. albicans and 9 for C. auris. The probability of target attainment was >95% with 3 mg/kg for wild-type C. albicans isolates with MIC ≤2 mg/L and C. auris isolates with MIC ≤1 mg/L whereas 5 mg/kg L-AMB is needed for C. auris isolates with MIC 2 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS L-AMB was 4-fold less active against C. auris than C. albicans. Candida auris isolates with CLSI MIC 2 mg/L would require a higher L-AMB dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Ioanna Beredaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sanidopoulos
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Hernando-Ortiz A, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, de Groot PW, Quindós G, Mateo E. Efficacy of the combination of amphotericin B and echinocandins against Candida auris in vitro and in the Caenorhabditis elegans host model. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0208623. [PMID: 38018978 PMCID: PMC10783041 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02086-23] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multidrug resistance is a rising problem among non-Candida albicans species, such as Candida auris. This therapeutic problem has been very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has included C. auris in its global priority list of health-threatening fungi, to study this emerging multidrug-resistant species and to develop effective alternative therapies. In the present study, the synergistic effect of the combination of amphotericin B and echinocandins has been demonstrated against blood isolates of C. auris. Different susceptibility responses were also observed between aggregative and non-aggregative phenotypes. The antifungal activity of these drug combinations against C. auris was also demonstrated in the Caenorhabditis elegans host model of candidiasis, confirming the suitability and usefulness of this model in the search for solutions to antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainara Hernando-Ortiz
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nerea Jauregizar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Piet W.J. de Groot
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Mateo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
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10
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Spruijtenburg B, Ahmad S, Asadzadeh M, Alfouzan W, Al-Obaid I, Mokaddas E, Meijer EFJ, Meis JF, de Groot T. Whole genome sequencing analysis demonstrates therapy-induced echinocandin resistance in Candida auris isolates. Mycoses 2023; 66:1079-1086. [PMID: 37712885 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13655] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast, causing outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Echinocandins are the antifungal drugs of choice to treat candidiasis, as they cause few side effects and resistance is rarely found. Previously, immunocompromised patients from Kuwait with C. auris colonisation or infection were treated with echinocandins, and within days to months, resistance was reported in urine isolates. To determine whether the development of echinocandin resistance was due to independent introductions of resistant strains or resulted from intra-patient resistance development, whole genome sequencing (WGS) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on susceptible (n = 26) and echinocandin-resistant (n = 6) isolates from seven patients. WGS SNP analysis identified three distinct clusters differing 17-127 SNPs from two patients, and the remaining isolates from five patients, respectively. Sequential isolates within patients had a maximum of 11 SNP differences over a time period of 1-10 months. The majority of isolates with reduced susceptibility displayed unique FKS1 substitutions including a novel FKS1M690V substitution, and nearly all were genetically related, ranging from only three to six SNP differences compared to susceptible isolates from the same patient. Resistant isolates from three patients shared the common FKS1S639F substitution; however, WGS analysis did not suggest a common source. These findings strongly indicate that echinocandin resistance is induced during antifungal treatment. Future studies should determine whether such echinocandin-resistant strains are capable of long-term colonisation, cause subsequent breakthrough candidiasis, have a propensity to cross-infect other patients, or remain viable for longer time periods in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Wadha Alfouzan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Farwania Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Inaam Al-Obaid
- Department of Microbiology, Al-Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Eiman Mokaddas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Department of Microbiology, Ibn-Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Eelco F J Meijer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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11
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Cañete-Gibas CF, Mele J, Patterson HP, Sanders CJ, Ferrer D, Garcia V, Fan H, David M, Wiederhold NP. Terbinafine-Resistant Dermatophytes and the Presence of Trichophyton indotineae in North America. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0056223. [PMID: 37432126 PMCID: PMC10446870 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00562-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are common causes of skin, hair, and nail infections in humans. The most common species causing infections in humans are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton interdigitale. Outbreaks of recalcitrant dermatophytosis have been reported in parts of South Asia, including those caused by a hypervirulent and resistant species, Trichophyton indotineae. We evaluated the antifungal susceptibility profiles of dermatophytes received by our laboratory from institutions across North America between 2021 and 2022 and performed species identification for isolates deemed to demonstrate in vitro resistance. Susceptibility testing was performed by CLSI broth microdilution methods, and species identification was performed by DNA sequence analysis. During this 2-year period, 271 dermatophyte isolates were included, the majority of which demonstrated low MIC values for terbinafine (geometric mean [GM] and modal MIC, 0.031 μg/mL and 0.008 μg/mL, respectively) and the azoles itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole (0.035 to 0.049 μg/mL and ≤0.03 μg/mL). However, 18.6% of the isolates tested were resistant to terbinafine (MIC ≥ 0.5 μg/mL), including 21 T. rubrum and 21 T. indotineae isolates. These isolates were received from several different states in the United States and two provinces in Canada. In contrast, resistance to itraconazole was relatively rare. We also searched our laboratory database for earlier isolates that were resistant to terbinafine and identified 3 additional T. indotineae isolates, the earliest of which was from 2017. These results demonstrate that terbinafine resistance in dermatophytes was relatively common over this 2-year period and that T. indotineae is present in multiple areas in North America. Continued surveillance is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie F. Cañete-Gibas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - James Mele
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hoja P. Patterson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Carmita J. Sanders
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Dora Ferrer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Victor Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hongxin Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marjorie David
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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12
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Koleri J, Petkar HM, Rahman S Al Soub HA, Rahman S AlMaslamani MA. Candida auris Blood stream infection- a descriptive study from Qatar. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:513. [PMID: 37544995 PMCID: PMC10405369 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08477-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is an emerging yeast pathogen that can cause invasive infections, particularly candidemia, in healthcare settings. Candida auris is characterized by resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and high mortality. OBJECTIVE To describe the risk factors, clinical characteristics, antifungal susceptibility pattern and outcomes of Candida auris blood stream infection. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of C. auris fungemia cases in the facilities under Hamad Medical corporation, Qatar from 1/11/2018 to 31/7/2021. Demographic data, risk factors, antibiogram and 30-day outcome are described. RESULTS We identified 36 patients with C. auris fungemia. Most of the patients were in intensive care unit following severe COVID-19 pneumonia and had received steroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Most cases were central line related. Over 90% of isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole, while amphotericin B resistance reached 85%. Factors associated with high mortality included initial SOFA score of 9 or above and absence of source control. CONCLUSION Our study reveals a concerning 41.6% mortality rate within 30 days of C. auris candidemia. Furthermore, the prevalence of amphotericin B resistance in Qatar exceeds what has been reported in the literature necessitating further exploration. Echinocandins retains nearly 100% susceptibility and should be prioritized as the treatment of choice. These findings emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring and appropriate management strategies to combat C. auris infections and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junais Koleri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hawabibee Mahir Petkar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Microbiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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13
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Biran R, Cohen R, Finn T, Brosh-Nissimov T, Rahav G, Yahav D, Amit S, Shachor-Meyouhas Y, Atamna A, Bishara J, Ashkenazi-Hoffnung L, Ben Zvi H, Hershman-Sarafov M, Maayan S, Maor Y, Schwartz O, Zimhony O, Lellouche J, Elbaz M, Burdelova E, Mizrahi N, Novikov A, Henig O, Ben-Ami R. Nationwide Outbreak of Candida auris Infections Driven by COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Israel, 2021-2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1297-1301. [PMID: 37347492 PMCID: PMC10310389 DOI: 10.3201/eid2907.221888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We report an outbreak of Candida auris across multiple healthcare facilities in Israel. For the period of May 2014-May 2022, a total of 209 patients with C. auris infection or colonization were identified. The C. auris incidence rate increased 30-fold in 2021 (p = 0.00015), corresponding in time with surges of COVID-19-related hospitalization. Multilocus sequence typing revealed hospital-level outbreaks with distinct clones. A clade III clone, imported into Israel in 2016, accounted for 48.8% of typed isolates after January 2021 and was more frequently resistant to fluconazole (100% vs. 63%; p = 0.00017) and voriconazole (74% vs. 5.2%; p<0.0001) than were non-clade III isolates. A total of 23% of patients had COVID-19, and 78% received mechanical ventilation. At the hospital level, outbreaks initially involved mechanically ventilated patients in specialized COVID-19 units and then spread sequentially to ventilated non-COVID-19 patients and nonventilated patients.
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14
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John LL, Thomson DD, Bicanic T, Hoenigl M, Brown AJ, Harrison TS, Bignell EM. Heightened Efficacy of Anidulafungin When Used in Combination with Manogepix or 5-Flucytosine against Candida auris In Vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0164522. [PMID: 37162367 PMCID: PMC10269148 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01645-22] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that causes refractory colonization and life-threatening, invasive nosocomial infections. The high proportion of C. auris isolates that display antifungal resistance severely limits treatment options. Combination therapies provide a possible strategy by which to enhance antifungal efficacy and prevent the emergence of further resistance. Therefore, we examined drug combinations using antifungals that are already in clinical use or are undergoing clinical trials. Using checkerboard assays, we screened combinations of 5-flucytosine and manogepix (the active form of the novel antifungal drug fosmanogepix) with anidulafungin, amphotericin B, or voriconazole against drug resistant and susceptible C. auris isolates from clades I and III. Fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI values) of 0.28 to 0.75 and 0.36 to 1.02 were observed for combinations of anidulafungin with manogepix or 5-flucytosine, respectively, indicating synergistic activity. The high potency of these anidulafungin combinations was confirmed using live-cell microfluidics-assisted imaging of the fungal growth. In summary, combinations of anidulafungin with manogepix or 5-flucytosine show great potential against both resistant and susceptible C. auris isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa L.H. John
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Darren D. Thomson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Unit, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alistair J.P. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S. Harrison
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cranmer Terrace, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine M. Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Kordalewska M, Cancino-Prado G, Nobrega de Almeida Júnior J, Brasil Brandão I, Tigulini de Souza Peral R, Colombo AL, Perlin DS. Novel Non-Hot Spot Modification in Fks1 of Candida auris Confers Echinocandin Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0042323. [PMID: 37222585 PMCID: PMC10269051 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00423-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We determined the echinocandin susceptibility and FKS1 genotypes of 13 clinical isolates of Candida auris that were recovered from 4 patients at a tertiary care center in Salvador, Brazil. Three isolates were categorized as echinocandin-resistant, and they harbored a novel FKS1 mutation that led to an amino acid change W691L located downstream from hot spot 1. When introduced to echinocandin-susceptible C. auris strains by CRISPR/Cas9, Fks1 W691L induced elevated MIC values to all echinocandins (anidulafungin, 16 to 32×; caspofungin, >64×; micafungin, >64×).
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Kordalewska
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Geselle Cancino-Prado
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - João Nobrega de Almeida Júnior
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arnaldo L. Colombo
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
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16
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Siopi M, Peroukidou I, Beredaki MI, Spruijtenburg B, de Groot T, Meis JF, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Pournaras S, Meletiadis J. Overestimation of Amphotericin B Resistance in Candida auris with Sensititre YeastOne Antifungal Susceptibility Testing: a Need for Adjustment for Correct Interpretation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0443122. [PMID: 37036351 PMCID: PMC10269614 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04431-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant variation in minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) has been reported for amphotericin B (AMB) and C. auris, depending on the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) method. Although the Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) is widely used in routine laboratory testing, data regarding its performance for the AFST of C. auris are scarce. We tested AMB against 65 C. auris clinical isolates with the SYO and the reference methodology by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The essential agreement (EA, ±1 dilution) between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s tentative breakpoint of MIC ≥ 2 mg/L were determined. The SYO wild type upper limit value (WT-UL) was determined using the ECOFFinder. The modal (range) CLSI growth inhibitory MIC was lower than the SYO colorimetric MIC [1(0.25-1) versus 2(1-8) mg/L, respectively]). The CLSI-colorimetric SYO EA was 29% and the CA was 11% (89% major errors; MaE). MaE were reduced when the SYO WT-UL of 8 mg/L was used (0% MaE). Alternatively, the use of SYO growth inhibition endpoints of MIC-1 (75% growth inhibition) or MIC-2 (50% growth inhibition) resulted in 88% CA with 12% MaE and 97% CA with 3% MaE, respectively. In conclusion, SYO overestimated AMB resistance in C. auris isolates when colorimetric MICs, as per SYO instructions and the CDC breakpoint of 2 mg/L, were used. This can be improved either by using the method-specific WT-UL MIC of 8 mg/L for colorimetric MICs or by determining growth inhibition MIC endpoints, regardless of the color. IMPORTANCE Candida auris is an emerging and frequently multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that accounts for life-threatening invasive infections and nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. Reliable AF is important for the choice of the optimal treatment. Commercial methods are frequently used without prior vigorous assessment. Resistance to AMB was over-reported with the commercial colorimetric method Sensititre YeastOne (SYO). SYO produced MICs that were 1 to 2 twofold dilutions higher than those of the reference CLSI method, resulting in 89% MaE. MaE were reduced using a SYO-specific colorimetric wild type upper limit MIC value of 8 mg/L (0%) or a 50% growth inhibition endpoint (3%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilektra Peroukidou
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Ioanna Beredaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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17
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Toepfer S, Lackner M, Keniya MV, Zenz LM, Friemert M, Bracher F, Monk BC. Clorgyline Analogs Synergize with Azoles against Drug Efflux in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:663. [PMID: 37367600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060663] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about the global emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens led us to explore the use of combination therapy to combat azole resistance in Candida auris. Clorgyline had previously been shown to be a multi-target inhibitor of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. A screen for antifungal sensitizers among synthetic analogs of Clorgyline detected interactions with the C. auris efflux pump azole substrates Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Of six Clorgyline analogs, M19 and M25 were identified as potential sensitizers of azole resistance. M19 and M25 were found to act synergistically with azoles against resistant C. auris clade I isolates and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains overexpressing C. auris efflux pumps. Nile Red assays with the recombinant strains showed M19 and M25 inhibited the activity of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps that are known to play key roles in azole resistance in C. auris clades I, III, and IV. While Clorgyline, M19 and M25 uncoupled the Oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity of Cdr1 from C. albicans and C. auris, their mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated. The experimental combinations described herein provides a starting point to combat azole resistance dominated by overexpression of CauCdr1 in C. auris clades I and IV and CauMdr1 in C. auris clade III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Toepfer
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mikhail V Keniya
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Lisa-Maria Zenz
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marianne Friemert
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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18
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Caballero U, Eraso E, Quindós G, Vozmediano V, Schmidt S, Jauregizar N. PK/PD modeling and simulation of the in vitro activity of the combinations of isavuconazole with echinocandins against Candida auris. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:770-782. [PMID: 36915233 PMCID: PMC10272309 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro combination of echinocandins and isavuconazole against the emerging species Candida auris is mainly synergistic. However, this combination has not been evaluated in clinical settings. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling and simulation approach based on in vitro data may be helpful to further study the therapeutic potential of these combinations. Therefore, the aims of this study were to characterize the time course of growth and killing of C. auris in response to the combination of the three approved echinocandins and isavuconazole using a semimechanistic model and to perform model-based simulations in order to predict the in vivo response to combination therapy. In vitro static time-kill curve data for isavuconazole and echinocandins combinations against six blood isolates of C. auris were best modeled considering the total killing of the fungal population as dependent on the additive effects of both drugs. Once assessed, the predictive performance of the model using simulations of different dosing and fungal susceptibility scenarios were conducted. Model-based simulations revealed that none of the combinations at standard or higher dosages would be effective against the studied isolates of C. auris and it was predicted that the combinations of isavuconazole with anidulafungin or caspofungin would be effective for minimum inhibitory concentrations up to 0.03 and 0.06 mg/L respectively, whereas the combination with micafungin would lead to treatment failure. The current approach highlights the importance of bridging the in vitro results to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unai Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and NursingUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and NursingUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and NursingUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Valvanera Vozmediano
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, College of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Nerea Jauregizar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and NursingUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
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19
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Cañete-Gibas CF, Patterson HP, Sanders CJ, Mele J, Fan H, David M, Wiederhold NP. Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Aspergillus Section Terrei Isolates in Clinical Samples from the United States and Description of Aspergillus pseudoalabamensis sp. nov. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040579. [PMID: 37111465 PMCID: PMC10142542 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040579] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus section Terrei consists of numerous cryptic species in addition to A. terreus sensu stricto. The treatment of invasive infections caused by these fungi may pose a unique challenge prior to diagnosis and species identification, in that they are often clinically resistant to amphotericin B, with poor outcomes and low survival rates in patients treated with this polyene. Data on the species distributions and susceptibility profiles of isolates within section Terrei from the United States (U.S.) are limited. Here, we report the species distributions and susceptibility profiles for amphotericin B, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and micafungin against 278 clinical isolates of this section from institutions across the U.S. collected over a 52-month period. Species identification was performed by DNA sequence analysis and phenotypic characterization. Susceptibility testing was performed using the CLSI broth microdilution method. The majority of isolates were identified as Aspergillus terreus sensu stricto (69.8%), although several other cryptic species were also identified. Most were cultured from specimens collected from the respiratory tract. Posaconazole demonstrated the most potent activity of the azoles (MIC range ≤ 0.03-1 mg/L), followed by itraconazole (≤0.03-2 mg/L), voriconazole, and isavuconazole (0.125-8 mg/L for each). Amphotericin B demonstrated reduced in vitro susceptibility against this section (MIC range 0.25-8 mg/L), although this appeared to be species-dependent. A new species within this section, A. pseudoalabamensis, is also described. Our results, which are specific to the U.S., are similar to previous surveillance studies of the Aspergillus section Terrei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie F Cañete-Gibas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Fungus Testing Laboratory UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hoja P Patterson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Fungus Testing Laboratory UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Carmita J Sanders
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Fungus Testing Laboratory UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - James Mele
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hongxin Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Marjorie David
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Nathan P Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Fungus Testing Laboratory UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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20
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Giacobbe DR, Mikulska M, Vena A, Di Pilato V, Magnasco L, Marchese A, Bassetti M. Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of candidemia due to multidrug-resistant Candida auris. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1061150. [PMID: 37746122 PMCID: PMC10512377 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1061150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Unità di Microbiologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Ashkenazi-Hoffnung L, Rosenberg Danziger C. Navigating the New Reality: A Review of the Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Candida auris, with a Focus on Children. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:176. [PMID: 36836291 PMCID: PMC9963988 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020176] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, Candida auris emerged across the world, causing nosocomial outbreaks in both pediatric and adult populations, particularly in intensive care settings. We reviewed the epidemiological trends and the clinical and microbiological characteristics of C. auris infection, focusing on the pediatric population. The review is based on 22 studies, which included about 250 pediatric patients with C. auris infection, across multiple countries; neonates and premature babies were the predominant pediatric patient group affected. The most common type of infection reported was bloodstream infection, which was associated with exceptionally high mortality rates. Antifungal treatment varied widely between the patients; this signifies a serious knowledge gap that should be addressed in future research. Advances in molecular diagnostic methods for rapid and accurate identification and for detection of resistance may prove especially valuable in future outbreak situations, as well as the development of investigational antifungals. However, the new reality of a highly resistant and difficult-to-treat pathogen calls for preparedness of all aspects of patient care. This spans from laboratory readiness, to raising awareness among epidemiologists and clinicians for global collaborative efforts to improve patient care and limit the spread of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ashkenazi-Hoffnung
- Department of Day Hospitalization and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Chen Rosenberg Danziger
- Department of Day Hospitalization, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
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22
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Fan X, Tsui CKM, Chen X, Wang P, Liu ZJ, Yang CX. High prevalence of fluconazole resistant Candida tropicalis among candiduria samples in China: An ignored matter of concern. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1125241. [PMID: 36937265 PMCID: PMC10017723 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1125241] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rapid rise of azole resistance in Candida tropicalis causing invasive infections has become a public health concern; however, the prevalence of resistant isolates in urine samples was not well studied, because the clinical significance of candiduria was not unambiguous due to possible host colonization. Methods We performed a 12-year laboratory-based surveillance study of C. tropicalis causing either invasive infection or candiduria and studied their susceptibility profiles to common antifungal drugs. The complete coding domain sequence of the ERG11 gene was amplified in all fluconazole resistant isolates, and aligned with the wild-type sequence to detect nucleotide mutations. Results A total of 519 unique C. tropicalis strains isolates, 69.9% of which were isolated from urine samples and remaining 30.1% were invasive strains. Overall, 16.5% isolates were confirmed to be resistant to fluconazole, of which 91.9% were cross-resistant voriconazole. Of note, at the beginning of surveillance (2010-2011), the fluconazole resistance rates were low in both candiduria and invasive groups (6.8% and 5.9%, respectively). However, the resistant rate in the candiduria group significantly increased to 29.5% since 2012-2013 (p = 0.001) and stayed high since then, whilst the resistance rate in the invasive group only showed a gradually increasing trends till 2021 (p > 0.05). Sequence analysis of ERG11 from fluconazole-resistant strains revealed the prevalence of A395T/W mutations were relatively low (16.7%) in the beginning but reached 87.5-100% after 2014. Moreover, the A395W heterozygous mutation isolates became predominant (>60% of resistant strains) after 2016, and indeed isolates carrying corresponding amino acid substitution (Y132F) was highly resistant to fluconazole with MIC50 exceeded 256 μg/ml. Conclusion Our study revealed high azole resistant rate in candiduria with its increasing trends observed much earlier than stains causing invasive infections. Given antimicrobial resistance as a critical "One Health" issue, the emergence of antifungal resistance in Candida species that are common commensal colonizers in the human body should be concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Clement K. M. Tsui
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhen-jia Liu,
| | - Chun-xia Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chun-xia Yang,
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23
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Rybak JM, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD. The molecular and genetic basis of antifungal resistance in the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102208. [PMID: 36242897 PMCID: PMC10364995 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Resistance to the limited number of agents in the antifungal armamentarium among pathogenic fungi represents a growing public health threat. Particularly concerning is the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris that frequently exhibits resistance to the triazole class of antifungals and amphotericin B, and for which isolates resistant to all of the major antifungal classes have been reported. In this brief review, we provide an overview of what is currently known about the molecular and genetic basis for antifungal resistance in this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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24
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Alanís-Ríos SA, González GM, Andrade A, Becerril-García MA, Bonifaz A, Robledo-Leal ER, Montoya AM, Treviño-Rangel RDJ. Evaluation of the synergistic antifungal activity of micafungin and voriconazole plus sertraline against Candida auris. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:2003-2008. [PMID: 36036298 PMCID: PMC9421114 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00817-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging global public health threat. It is an opportunistic yeast that usually affects critically ill patients in healthcare settings and is characterized by reduced susceptibility to multiple antifungal classes. Combination therapy with antifungals and repurposed drugs is a feasible alternative to overcome this problem. The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro interactions and potential synergy of micafungin (MFG) and voriconazole (VRC) plus the antidepressant sertraline (SRT) against clinical isolates of C. auris. Conventional antifungal testing was first performed with the three drugs according to the CLSI methodology. Drug interactions were determined by the checkerboard microdilution assay using the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. Synergistic interactions were noted with the combination of MFG and SRT plus VRC with FIC values of 0.37 to 0.49 for some strains. Indifferent interactions were observed when MFG was combined with SRT with just one exception (FIC 0.53). No antagonism was observed for any combination. The combination of VRC with MCF or SRT may be relevant for treating C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Alanís-Ríos
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Gloria M González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Angel Andrade
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Miguel A Becerril-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Alexandro Bonifaz
- Servicio de Dermatología and Departamento de Micología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Efrén R Robledo-Leal
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico
| | - Alexandra M Montoya
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rogelio de J Treviño-Rangel
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ave. Francisco I. Madero & Dr. Eduardo A. Pequeño. Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico.
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25
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Tu J, Liu N, Huang Y, Yang W, Sheng C. Small molecules for combating multidrug-resistant superbug Candida auris infections. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4056-4074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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26
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Genomic Diversity across Candida auris Clinical Isolates Shapes Rapid Development of Antifungal Resistance
In Vitro
and
In Vivo. mBio 2022; 13:e0084222. [PMID: 35862787 PMCID: PMC9426540 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00842-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antifungal drug resistance and tolerance pose a serious threat to global public health. In the human fungal pathogen, Candida auris, resistance to triazole, polyene, and echinocandin antifungals is rising, resulting in multidrug resistant isolates. Here, we use genome analysis and in vitro evolution of 17 new clinical isolates of C. auris from clades I and IV to determine how quickly resistance mutations arise, the stability of resistance in the absence of drug, and the impact of genetic background on evolutionary trajectories. We evolved each isolate in the absence of drug as well as in low and high concentrations of fluconazole. In just three passages, we observed genomic and phenotypic changes including karyotype alterations, aneuploidy, acquisition of point mutations, and increases in MIC values within the populations. Fluconazole resistance was stable in the absence of drug, indicating little to no fitness cost associated with resistance. Importantly, two isolates substantially increased resistance to ≥256 μg/mL fluconazole. Multiple evolutionary pathways and mutations associated with increased fluconazole resistance occurred simultaneously within the same population. Strikingly, the subtelomeric regions of C. auris were highly dynamic as deletion of multiple genes near the subtelomeres occurred during the three passages in several populations. Finally, we discovered a mutator phenotype in a clinical isolate of C. auris. This isolate had elevated mutation rates compared to other isolates and acquired substantial resistance during evolution in vitro and in vivo supporting that the genetic background of clinical isolates can have a significant effect on evolutionary potential.
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27
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Mulet-Bayona JV, Salvador-García C, Tormo-Palop N, Gimeno-Cardona C. Recurrent candidemia and isolation of echinocandin-resistant Candida auris in a patient with a long-term central catheter. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2022; 40:334-335. [PMID: 35550364 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente Mulet-Bayona
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Carme Salvador-García
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Tormo-Palop
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Concepción Gimeno-Cardona
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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28
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In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline in Antifungal-Resistant Candida Species Isolated from the Urinary Tract. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0226521. [PMID: 35543103 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02265-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections by drug-resistant fungi are increasingly reported worldwide; however, only few novel antifungals are being developed. The old antimicrobial nitroxoline is currently repurposed for oral treatment of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI). Previously, antifungal activity has been demonstrated and in contrast to many antifungals nitroxoline reaches high urinary concentrations. In this study, the activity of nitroxoline was assessed in vitro in a collection of yeasts from the German National Reference Centre for Invasive Fungal Infections. Susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution (BMD) and disk diffusion (DD). The collection comprised 45 Candida isolates originating from the urinary tract. MICs of amphotericin, anidulafungin and azoles were analyzed using EUCAST BMD. Among the collection isolates, resistance to antifungals was common, e.g., for fluconazole the MIC50/90 was 16/>64 mg/L; in contrast MIC50/90 of nitroxoline was 2/2 mg/L (MIC range 0.25-4 mg/L), which is at least two dilutions below the EUCAST breakpoint for uncomplicated UTI defined for E. coli (susceptible ≤ 16mg/L). Activity of nitroxoline was high irrespective of resistance to other agents. As BMD is labor-intensive, DD was investigated as an alternative method using three different agars. Nitroxoline disks produced large inhibition zones on all agars (≥19mm), but the correlation of MICs and zone diameters was low, with the highest correlation recorded for the CLSI recommended agar for antifungal DD (Pearson's r = -0,52). In conclusion, isolates of different Candida species are highly susceptible to nitroxoline, which could be a promising antimicrobial to treat candiduria caused by multidrug resistant yeasts.
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29
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Aldejohann AM, Wiese-Posselt M, Gastmeier P, Kurzai O. Expert recommendations for prevention and management of Candida auris transmission. Mycoses 2022; 65:590-598. [PMID: 35437832 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris was first described as a yeast pathogen in 2009. Since then, the new species has emerged worldwide. In contrast to most other Candida spp., C. auris frequently exhibits multi-drug resistance and is readily transmitted in hospital settings. While most isolations so far are from colonized patients, C. auris does cause life-threatening invasive infections. During management of the first documented C. auris transmission in a German hospital, experts from the National Reference Centers for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk) and the National Reference Center for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections screened available literature and integrated available knowledge on infection prevention and C. auris epidemiology and biology to enable optimal containment. Relevant recommendations developed during this process are summarized in this guidance document, intended to assist in management of C. auris transmission and potential outbreak situations. Rapid and effective measures to contain C. auris spread require a multidisciplinary approach that includes clinical specialists of the affected unit, nursing staff, hospital hygiene, diagnostic microbiology, cleaning staff, hospital management and experts in diagnostic mycology / fungal infections. Action should be initiated in a step-wise process and relevant interventions differ between management of singular C. auris colonized / infected patients and detection of potential C. auris transmission or nosocomial outbreaks. [word count 205].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Wiese-Posselt
- Nationales Referenzzentrum für Surveillance von nosokomialen Infektionen, Institut für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- Nationales Referenzzentrum für Surveillance von nosokomialen Infektionen, Institut für Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg.,Nationales Referenzzentrum für Invasive Pilzinfektionen, Leibniz Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie - Hans-Knöll-Institut, Jena
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30
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Candida auris Candidemia in Critically Ill, Colonized Patients: Cumulative Incidence and Risk Factors. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1149-1160. [PMID: 35404010 PMCID: PMC8995918 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00625-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, and a sharp rise in cases of colonization and infection has been registered in intensive care units (ICUs) during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The unfavorable resistance profile of C. auris and the potential high mortality of C. auris infections represent an important challenge for physicians. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study including all patients admitted to ICUs with isolation of C. auris in any non-sterile body site between February 20, 2020, and May 31, 2021. The primary aim of the study was to assess the cumulative incidence of C. auris candidemia in colonized patients. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of C. auris candidemia in the study population. Results During the study period, 157 patients admitted to ICUs in our hospital became colonized with C. auris; 59% of them were affected by COVID-19. Overall, 27 patients (17%) developed C. auris candidemia. The cumulative risk of developing C. auris candidemia was > 25% at 60 days after first detection of C. auris colonization. Seven patients with C. auris candidemia (26%) also developed a late recurrent episode. All C. auris blood isolates during the first occurring episode were resistant to fluconazole and susceptible to echinocandins, while 15 (56%) were resistant to amphotericin B. During late recurrent episodes, emergent resistance to caspofungin and amphotericin B occurred in one case each. In the final multivariable model, only multisite colonization retained an independent association with the development of C. auris candidemia. Conclusion Candida auris candidemia may occur in up to one fourth of colonized critically ill patients, and multisite colonization is an independent risk factor for the development of candidemia. Implementing adequate infection control measures remains crucial to prevent colonization with C. auris and indirectly the subsequent development of infection.
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31
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Species Distribution and Antifungal Susceptibilities of
Aspergillus
Section
Fumigati
Isolates in Clinical Samples from the United States. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0028022. [DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00280-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus
species are capable of causing both invasive disease and chronic infections in immunocompromised patients or those with preexisting lung conditions.
Aspergillus fumigatus
is the most commonly cultured species, and there is increasing concern regarding resistance to the azoles, which are the mainstays of antifungal therapy against aspergillosis. We evaluated the species distribution and susceptibility profiles of isolates within
Aspergillus
section
Fumigati
in the United States over a 52-month period.
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32
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Antifungal Resistance Trends of
Candida auris
Clinical Isolates, New York-New Jersey, 2016-2020. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0224221. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.02242-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
About 55% of U.S.
Candida auris
clinical cases were reported from New York and New Jersey from 2016 through 2020. Nearly all New York-New Jersey clinical isolates (99.8%) were fluconazole resistant, and 50% were amphotericin B resistant. Echinocandin resistance increased from 0% to 4% and pan-resistance increased from 0 to <1% for New York
C. auris
clinical isolates but not for New Jersey, highlighting the regional differences.
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [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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Rybak JM, Barker KS, Muñoz JF, Parker JE, Ahmad S, Mokaddas E, Abdullah A, Elhagracy RS, Kelly SL, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD. In vivo emergence of high-level resistance during treatment reveals the first identified mechanism of amphotericin B resistance in Candida auris. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:838-843. [PMID: 34915074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Candida auris has emerged as a healthcare-associated and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen of great clinical concern. While as many as 50% of C. auris clinical isolates are reported to be resistant to amphotericin B, to date, no mechanisms contributing to this resistance have been identified. Here we describe the clinical case in which high-level amphotericin B resistance was acquired in vivo during therapy and undertake molecular and genetic studies to identify and characterize the genetic determinant of resistance. METHODS Whole genome sequencing was performed on four C. auris isolates obtained from a single patient case. Cas9-mediated genetic manipulations were then used to generate mutant strains harboring mutations of interest, and these strains were subsequently subjected to amphotericin B susceptibility testing, and comprehensive sterol profiling. RESULTS A novel mutation in C. auris sterol-methyltransferase gene, ERG6, was found to be associated with amphotericin B resistance, and this mutation alone conferred a >32-fold increase in amphotericin B resistance. Comprehensive sterol profiling revealed an abrogation of ergosterol biosynthesis and a corresponding accumulation of cholesta-type sterols in isolates and strains harboring the clinically-derived ERG6 mutation. CONCLUSIONS Together these findings definitively demonstrate mutations in C. auris ERG6 as the first identified mechanism of clinical amphotericin B resistance in C. auris and represent a significant step forward in the understanding of antifungal resistance in this emerging public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Katherine S Barker
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - José F Muñoz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Josie E Parker
- Centre for Cytochrome P450 Biodiversity, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Eiman Mokaddas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait; Department of Microbiology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Aneesa Abdullah
- Department of Microbiology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Rehab S Elhagracy
- Department of Haematology, Kuwait Cancer Control Center, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Steve L Kelly
- Centre for Cytochrome P450 Biodiversity, Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | | | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Li D, Wang Y, Hu W, Chen F, Zhao J, Chen X, Han L. Application of Machine Learning Classifier to Candida auris Drug Resistance Analysis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:742062. [PMID: 34722336 PMCID: PMC8554202 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.742062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging fungus associated with high morbidity. It has a unique transmission ability and is often resistant to multiple drugs. In this study, we evaluated the ability of different machine learning models to classify the drug resistance and predicted and ranked the drug resistance mutations of C. auris. Two C. auris strains were obtained. Combined with other 356 strains collected from the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) databases, the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data were analyzed by bioinformatics. Machine learning classifiers were used to build drug resistance models, which were evaluated and compared by various evaluation methods based on AUC value. Briefly, two strains were assigned to Clade III in the phylogenetic tree, which was consistent with previous studies; nevertheless, the phylogenetic tree was not completely consistent with the conclusion of clustering according to the geographical location discovered earlier. The clustering results of C. auris were related to its drug resistance. The resistance genes of C. auris were not under additional strong selection pressure, and the performance of different models varied greatly for different drugs. For drugs such as azoles and echinocandins, the models performed relatively well. In addition, two machine learning algorithms, based on the balanced test and imbalanced test, were designed and evaluated; for most drugs, the evaluation results on the balanced test set were better than on the imbalanced test set. The mutations strongly be associated with drug resistance of C. auris were predicted and ranked by Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) combined with a machine learning classifier. In addition to known drug resistance mutations, some new resistance mutations were predicted, such as Y501H and I466M mutation in the ERG11 gene and R278H mutation in the ERG10 gene, which may be associated with fluconazole (FCZ), micafungin (MCF), and amphotericin B (AmB) resistance, respectively; these mutations were in the “hot spot” regions of the ergosterol pathway. To sum up, this study suggested that machine learning classifiers are a useful and cost-effective method to identify fungal drug resistance-related mutations, which is of great significance for the research on the resistance mechanism of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingchen Li
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjuan Hu
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fangyan Chen
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jingya Zhao
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Chen
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Han
- Department of Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Adenylyl Cyclase and Protein Kinase A Play Redundant and Distinct Roles in Growth, Differentiation, Antifungal Drug Resistance, and Pathogenicity of Candida auris. mBio 2021; 12:e0272921. [PMID: 34663094 PMCID: PMC8524339 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02729-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Its pathogenicity-related signaling networks are largely unknown. Here, we characterized the pathobiological functions of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in C. auris. We focused on adenylyl cyclase (CYR1), the PKA regulatory subunit (BCY1), and the PKA catalytic subunits (TPK1 and TPK2). We concluded that PKA acts both dependently and independently of Cyr1 in C. auris. Tpk1 and Tpk2 have major and minor roles, respectively, in PKA activity and functions. Both Cyr1 and PKA promote growth, thermotolerance, filamentous growth, and resistance to stress and antifungal drugs by regulating expression of multiple effector genes. In addition, Cyr1 and PKA subunits were involved in disinfectant resistance of C. auris. However, deletion of both TPK1 and TPK2 generally resulted in more severe defects than CYR1 deletion, indicating that Cyr1 and PKA play redundant and distinct roles. Notably, Tpk1 and Tpk2 have redundant but Cyr1-independent roles in haploid-to-diploid cell transition, which increases virulence of C. auris. However, Tpk1 and Tpk2 often play opposing roles in formation of biofilms and the cell wall components chitin and chitosan. Surprisingly, deletion of CYR1 or TPK1/TPK2, which resulted in severe in vitro growth defects at 37°C, did not attenuate virulence, and BCY1 deletion reduced virulence of C. auris in a systemic murine infection model. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the role of the cAMP/PKA pathway in drug resistance and pathogenicity of C. auris and suggests a potential therapeutic option for treatment of C. auris-mediated candidemia.
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Caballero U, Eraso E, Pemán J, Quindós G, Vozmediano V, Schmidt S, Jauregizar N. In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modelling and Simulation of Amphotericin B against Candida auris. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111767. [PMID: 34834182 PMCID: PMC8624019 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to characterize the antifungal activity of amphotericin B against Candida auris in a static in vitro system and to evaluate different dosing schedules and MIC scenarios by means of semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling and simulation. A two-compartment model consisting of a drug-susceptible and a drug-resistant subpopulation successfully characterized the time-kill data and a modified Emax sigmoidal model best described the effect of the drug. The model incorporated growth rate constants for both subpopulations, a death rate constant and a transfer constant between both compartments. Additionally, the model included a parameter to account for the delay in growth in the absence or presence of the drug. Amphotericin B displayed a concentration-dependent fungicidal activity. The developed PK/PD model was able to characterize properly the antifungal activity of amphotericin B against C. auris. Finally, simulation analysis revealed that none of the simulated standard dosing scenarios of 0.6, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg/day over a week treatment showed successful activity against C. auris infection. Simulations also pointed out that an MIC of 1 mg/L would be linked to treatment failure for C. auris invasive infections and therefore, the resistance rate to amphotericin B may be higher than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unai Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (E.E.); (G.Q.)
| | - Javier Pemán
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico de La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain; (E.E.); (G.Q.)
| | - Valvanera Vozmediano
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (V.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (V.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Nerea Jauregizar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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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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Badali H, Cañete-Gibas C, McCarthy D, Patterson H, Sanders C, David MP, Mele J, Fan H, Wiederhold NP. Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibilities of Mucoralean Fungi in Clinical Samples from the United States. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0123021. [PMID: 34232068 PMCID: PMC8373021 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01230-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of mucormycosis has increased in recent years owing to higher numbers of individuals at risk for these infections. The diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive fungal infection are of clinical concern due to differences in species distribution in different geographic areas and susceptibility profiles between different species that are capable of causing highly aggressive infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and susceptibility profiles of Mucorales isolates in the United States over a 52-month period. Species identification was performed by combined phenotypic characteristics and DNA sequence analysis, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by CLSI M38 broth microdilution for amphotericin B, isavuconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole. During this time frame, 854 isolates were included, representing 11 different genera and over 26 species, of which Rhizopus (58.6%) was the predominant genus, followed by Mucor (19.6%). The majority of isolates were cultured from the upper and lower respiratory tracts (55%). Amphotericin B demonstrated the most potent in vitro activity, with geometric mean (GM) MICs of ≤0.25 μg/ml against all genera with the exception of Cunninghamella species (GM MIC of 1.30 μg/ml). In head-to-head comparisons, the most active azole was posaconazole, followed by isavuconazole. Differences in azole and amphotericin B susceptibility patterns were observed between the genera with the greatest variability observed with isavuconazole. Awareness of the epidemiology of Mucorales isolates and differences in antifungal susceptibility patterns in the United States may aide clinicians in choosing antifungal treatment regimens. Further studies are warranted to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Badali
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Connie Cañete-Gibas
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Dora McCarthy
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hoja Patterson
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Carmita Sanders
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marjorie P. David
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - James Mele
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hongxin Fan
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Fuchs F, Hof H, Hofmann S, Kurzai O, Meis JF, Hamprecht A. Antifungal activity of nitroxoline against Candida auris isolates. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1697.e7-1697.e10. [PMID: 34245904 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the in vitro activity of nitroxoline against a molecularly characterized collection of clinical Candida auris isolates. METHODS Thirty-five clinical isolates of C. auris from diverse sources representing all five different C. auris clades were included in the study. Nitroxoline activity was assessed using broth microdilution. Additionally, susceptibility testing by disc diffusion was assessed on RPMI-1640 and Müller-Hinton agar plates. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the antifungals fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B and anidulafungin were determined. RESULTS Nitroxoline MICs ranged from 0.125 to 1 mg/L (MIC50/90 0.25/0.5 mg/L). Compared with amphotericin B (MIC >1 mg/L in 4/35 isolates), anidulafungin (MIC >0.06 mg/L in 26/35 isolates) and fluconazole (MIC >4 mg/L in 31/35 isolates), in vitro activity of nitroxoline was high. Isolates belonging to clade I had marginally lower nitroxoline MICs (range 0.125-0.5 mg/L, mean MIC 0.375 mg/L) compared with clade III (range 0.5-1 mg/L, mean MIC 0.7 mg/L; p = 0.0094). The correlation of MIC and inhibition zones by disc diffusion was good when using RPMI-agar for disc diffusion, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of -0.74 (95% CI -0.86 to -0.54). CONCLUSIONS Nitroxoline has excellent in vitro activity against C. auris isolates, with MICs of 0.125-1 mg/L (for comparison, the EUCAST breakpoint for uncomplicated urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli is ≤ 16 mg/L). It is an approved, well-tolerated antimicrobial that achieves high urinary concentrations after oral administration and could be a useful treatment option in C. auris candiduria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frieder Fuchs
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Herbert Hof
- MVZ Labor Limbach und Kollegen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Kurzai
- National Reference Centre for Invasive Fungal Infections (NRZMyk), Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology Graduate Programme, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Axel Hamprecht
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
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Arensman K, Miller JL, Chiang A, Mai N, Levato J, LaChance E, Anderson M, Beganovic M, Dela Pena J. Clinical Outcomes of Patients Treated for Candida auris Infections in a Multisite Health System, Illinois, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:876-880. [PMID: 32310077 PMCID: PMC7181927 DOI: 10.3201/eid2605.191588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that is typically resistant to fluconazole and is known to cause healthcare-associated outbreaks. We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who had >1 positive culture for C. auris within a multisite health system in Illinois, USA, during May 2018–April 2019. Twelve of these patients were treated as inpatients for C. auris infections; 10 (83%) met criteria for clinical success, defined as absence of all-cause mortality, C. auris recurrence, and infection-related readmission at 30 days from the first positive culture. The other 2 patients (17%) died within 30 days. Most patients (92%) were empirically treated with micafungin. Four (14%) of 28 total isolates were resistant to fluconazole, 1 (3.6%) was resistant to amphotericin B, and 1 (3.6%) was resistant to echinocandins. Our findings describe low rates of antifungal resistance and favorable clinical outcomes for most C. auris patients.
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Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have several mechanisms of resistance to antifungal drugs, driven by the genetic plasticity and versatility of their homeostatic responses to stressful environmental cues. We critically review the molecular mechanisms of resistance and cellular adaptations of pathogenic fungi in response to antifungals and discuss the factors contributing to such resistance. We offer suggestions for the translational and clinical research agenda of this rapidly evolving and medically important field. A better understanding of antifungal resistance should assist in developing better detection tools and inform optimal strategies for preventing and treating refractory mycoses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Ben-Ami
- Infectious Diseases Department, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Infectious Diseases, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Wiederhold NP, Najvar LK, Olivo M, Morris KN, Patterson HP, Catano G, Patterson TF. Ibrexafungerp Demonstrates In Vitro Activity against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida auris and In Vivo Efficacy with Delayed Initiation of Therapy in an Experimental Model of Invasive Candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e02694-20. [PMID: 33753333 PMCID: PMC8315906 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02694-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that has rapidly spread to many countries on multiple continents. Invasive infections caused by this species are associated with significant mortality, and treatment options are limited due to antifungal resistance. Ibrexafungerp is the first-in-class member of the triterpenoids, which inhibit the production of (1,3)-β-d-glucan and can be administered orally. We evaluated the in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of ibrexafungerp against C. auris Antifungal susceptibility was tested by broth microdilution against 54 C. auris isolates. Neutropenic mice were intravenously infected with a clinical isolate, and a 7-day treatment course was begun 24 h postinoculation with vehicle control, ibrexafungerp (20, 30, and 40 mg/kg orally twice daily), fluconazole (20 mg/kg orally once daily), or caspofungin (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally once daily). Fungal burden was assessed by colony counts in the kidneys on day 8 and on day 21 or as mice became moribund in the survival arm. Ibrexafungerp demonstrated consistent activity, with MICs ranging between 0.25 and 2 μg/ml against all isolates. Marked improvements in survival were observed in mice treated with the higher doses of ibrexafungerp and caspofungin. Similarly, reductions in kidney fungal burden were also observed in these groups. No improvements in survival or reductions in fungal burden were observed with fluconazole, consistent with the in vitro resistance of the isolate used to establish infection to this azole. These results demonstrate that ibrexafungerp is effective in vivo against C. auris even when the start of therapy is delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Wiederhold
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Laura K Najvar
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Marcos Olivo
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kelsey N Morris
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hoja P Patterson
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriel Catano
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas F Patterson
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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44
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Mulet-Bayona JV, Salvador-García C, Tormo-Palop N, Gimeno-Cardona C. Recurrent candidemia and isolation of echinocandin-resistant Candida auris in a patient with a long-term central catheter. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2021; 40:S0213-005X(21)00087-2. [PMID: 33994248 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente Mulet-Bayona
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España.
| | - Carme Salvador-García
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Nuria Tormo-Palop
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España
| | - Concepción Gimeno-Cardona
- Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España; Departamento de Microbiología y Ecología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España
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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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Carolus H, Pierson S, Muñoz JF, Subotić A, Cruz RB, Cuomo CA, Van Dijck P. Genome-Wide Analysis of Experimentally Evolved Candida auris Reveals Multiple Novel Mechanisms of Multidrug Resistance. mBio 2021; 12:e03333-20. [PMID: 33820824 PMCID: PMC8092288 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03333-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is globally recognized as an opportunistic fungal pathogen of high concern, due to its extensive multidrug resistance (MDR). Still, molecular mechanisms of MDR are largely unexplored. This is the first account of genome-wide evolution of MDR in C. auris obtained through serial in vitro exposure to azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. We show the stepwise accumulation of copy number variations and novel mutations in genes both known and unknown in antifungal drug resistance. Echinocandin resistance was accompanied by a codon deletion in FKS1 hot spot 1 and a substitution in FKS1 "novel" hot spot 3. Mutations in ERG3 and CIS2 further increased the echinocandin MIC. Decreased azole susceptibility was linked to a mutation in transcription factor TAC1b and overexpression of the drug efflux pump Cdr1, a segmental duplication of chromosome 1 containing ERG11, and a whole chromosome 5 duplication, which contains TAC1b The latter was associated with increased expression of ERG11, TAC1b, and CDR2 but not CDR1 The simultaneous emergence of nonsense mutations in ERG3 and ERG11 was shown to decrease amphotericin B susceptibility, accompanied with fluconazole cross-resistance. A mutation in MEC3, a gene mainly known for its role in DNA damage homeostasis, further increased the polyene MIC. Overall, this study shows the alarming potential for and diversity of MDR development in C. auris, even in a clade until now not associated with MDR (clade II), stressing its clinical importance and the urge for future research.IMPORTANCECandida auris is a recently discovered human fungal pathogen and has shown an alarming potential for developing multi- and pan-resistance toward all classes of antifungals most commonly used in the clinic. Currently, C. auris has been globally recognized as a nosocomial pathogen of high concern due to this evolutionary potential. So far, this is the first study in which the stepwise progression of multidrug resistance (MDR) in C. auris is monitored in vitro Multiple novel mutations in known resistance genes and genes previously not or vaguely associated with drug resistance reveal rapid MDR evolution in a C. auris clade II isolate. Additionally, this study shows that in vitro experimental evolution can be a powerful tool to discover new drug resistance mechanisms, although it has its limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carolus
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - José F Muñoz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana Subotić
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita B Cruz
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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47
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In Vitro Synergistic Interactions of Isavuconazole and Echinocandins against Candida auris. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040355. [PMID: 33800601 PMCID: PMC8066733 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emergent fungal pathogen that causes severe infectious outbreaks globally. The public health concern when dealing with this pathogen is mainly due to reduced susceptibility to current antifungal drugs. A valuable alternative to overcome this problem is to investigate the efficacy of combination therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro interactions of isavuconazole with echinocandins against C. auris. Interactions were determined using a checkerboard method, and absorbance data were analyzed with different approaches: the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), Greco universal response surface approach, and Bliss interaction model. All models were in accordance and showed that combinations of isavuconazole with echinocandins resulted in an overall synergistic interaction. A wide range of concentrations within the therapeutic range were selected to perform time-kill curves. These confirmed that isavuconazole–echinocandin combinations were more effective than monotherapy regimens. Synergism and fungistatic activity were achieved with combinations that included isavuconazole in low concentrations (≥0.125 mg/L) and ≥1 mg/L of echinocandin. Time-kill curves revealed that once synergy was achieved, combinations of higher drug concentrations did not improve the antifungal activity. This work launches promising results regarding the combination of isavuconazole with echinocandins for the treatment of C. auris infections.
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Al-Rashdi A, Al-Maani A, Al-Wahaibi A, Alqayoudhi A, Al-Jardani A, Al-Abri S. Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Survival Analysis of Candida auris Cases: Results of One-Year National Surveillance Data from Oman. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010031. [PMID: 33430221 PMCID: PMC7825686 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging healthcare-associated pathogen resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to report data from the national C. auris surveillance system for 2019 and conduct a survival analysis of the reported cohort. Methods: a retrospective analysis was conducted for all C. auris cases reported nationally to the Oman Antimicrobial Surveillance System (OMASS) in 2019, and isolates were sent to the Central Public Health Laboratories (CPHL). Clinical and demographic data were obtained through the E-Surveillance reporting system and the Electronic System (NEHR Al-Shifa) at CPHL. Statistical analysis was done using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine isolates of C. auris were grown from 108 inpatients; 87% were isolated from clinical samples, of which blood was the most common (38.9%). Forty (37%) were ≥65 years of age, 72 (66.7%) were males, and 85 (78.7%) were Omani nationals. Of the total isolates, 43.5% were considered as colonization; 56.5% were considered infection, of which 61.8% of them were candidemia. At least one risk factor was present in 98.1% of patients. The mean time from admission to infection was 1.7 months (SD = 2.8), and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.5 months (SD = 4). Totals of 94.8% and 96.1% of the isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole and amphotericin, respectively. The variables found to be significantly associated with longer survival post C. auris diagnosis (p < 0.05) were age < 65 years, absence of comorbidities, length of stay < 3 months, colonization, and absence of candidemia. The infection fatality rate was 52.5%. Conclusion: Including C. auris in an ongoing antimicrobial surveillance program provides important data for the comprehensive management of this growing public health threat. The current study shows health care outbreaks of C. auris are ongoing, with 52.5% infection fatality, although our isolates remained sensitive to Echinocandins in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Al-Rashdi
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman;
- Correspondence: (A.A.-R.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Amal Al-Maani
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman; (A.A.-W.); (A.A.); (S.A.-A.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.-R.); (A.A.-M.)
| | - Adil Al-Wahaibi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman; (A.A.-W.); (A.A.); (S.A.-A.)
| | - Abdullah Alqayoudhi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman; (A.A.-W.); (A.A.); (S.A.-A.)
| | - Amina Al-Jardani
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman;
| | - Seif Al-Abri
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control (DGDSC), Ministry of Health, Muscat 393, Oman; (A.A.-W.); (A.A.); (S.A.-A.)
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Griffith N, Danziger L. Candida auris Urinary Tract Infections and Possible Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120898. [PMID: 33322761 PMCID: PMC7764735 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerging pathogen that has been identified in urinary tract infections (UTIs) worldwide. The novel pathogen is characterized by common misidentification, difficult eradication, and multidrug resistance. To date, there is a paucity of data to guide the optimal management of C. auris UTIs. This review provides an overview of C. auris as an etiologic agent of UTIs, a comprehensive review of published data on C. auris UTIs, and a proposed treatment algorithm based on patient clinical status, the presence or absence of clinical infection, comorbidities, infection, and therapy history. Echinocandin and liposomal amphotericin B are recommended as first-line agents for most patients with C. auris isolated in the urine, with a focus on infection control measures and appropriate follow-up criteria. A variety of combination therapies, flucytosine, and amphotericin B bladder irrigations are offered as potential alternatives in the event of infection persistence or recurrence. The treatment approach centers on the aggressive treatment of C. auris in most patients, with the goal of preventing subsequent invasive spread, multi-drug resistance, and ultimate mortality. Published literature on C. auris urinary isolation and treatment is imperative for the future evolution of evidence-based treatment recommendations for this unique pathogen of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Griffith
- Department of Pharmacy Practice (m/c 833), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Larry Danziger
- Department of Pharmacy Practice (m/c 833), University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, UIC College of Pharmacy, Suite 164 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
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50
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Alfouzan W, Ahmad S, Dhar R, Asadzadeh M, Almerdasi N, Abdo NM, Joseph L, de Groot T, Alali WQ, Khan Z, Meis JF, Al-Rashidi MR. Molecular Epidemiology of Candida Auris Outbreak in a Major Secondary-Care Hospital in Kuwait. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E307. [PMID: 33233388 PMCID: PMC7712429 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging, often multidrug-resistant Candida auris is increasingly being associated with outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Here we describe the molecular epidemiology of a C. auris outbreak during 18 months, which started in 2018 in the high dependency unit (HDU) of a secondary-care hospital in Kuwait. Demographic and clinical data for candidemia and colonized patients were prospectively recorded. Clinical and environmental isolates were subjected to phenotypic and molecular identification; antifungal susceptibility testing by broth microdilution method; PCR-sequencing of ERG11 and FKS1 for resistance mechanisms to triazoles and echinocandins, respectively; and molecular fingerprinting by short tandem repeat (STR) analyses. Seventy-one (17 candidemic and 54 colonized) patients including 26 with candiduria and seven environmental samples yielded C. auris. All isolates were identified as C. auris by Vitek2, MALDI-TOF MS, PCR amplification and/or PCR-sequencing of rDNA. Twelve candidemia and 26 colonized patients were admitted or exposed to HDU. Following outbreak recognition, an intensive screening program was instituted for new patients. Despite treatment of all candidemia and 36 colonized patients, 9 of 17 candidemia and 27 of 54 colonized patients died with an overall crude mortality rate of ~50%. Nearly all isolates were resistant to fluconazole and contained the Y132F mutation in ERG11 except one patient's isolates, which were also distinct by STR typing. Only urine isolates from two patients developed echinocandin resistance with concomitant FKS1 mutations. The transmission of C. auris in this outbreak was linked to infected/colonized patients and the hospital environment. However, despite continuous surveillance and enforcement of infection control measures, sporadic new cases continued to occur, challenging the containment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadha Alfouzan
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Farwaniya Hospital, P.O. Box 13373, Farwaniya 81004, Kuwait; (R.D.); (N.A.)
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (S.A.); (M.A.); (L.J.); (Z.K.)
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (S.A.); (M.A.); (L.J.); (Z.K.)
| | - Rita Dhar
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Farwaniya Hospital, P.O. Box 13373, Farwaniya 81004, Kuwait; (R.D.); (N.A.)
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (S.A.); (M.A.); (L.J.); (Z.K.)
| | - Noura Almerdasi
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Farwaniya Hospital, P.O. Box 13373, Farwaniya 81004, Kuwait; (R.D.); (N.A.)
| | - Naglaa M. Abdo
- Department of Infection Control, Farwaniya Hospital, P.O. Box 13373, Farwaniya 81004, Kuwait;
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Leena Joseph
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (S.A.); (M.A.); (L.J.); (Z.K.)
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.d.G.); (J.F.M.)
| | - Walid Q. Alali
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait;
| | - Ziauddin Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (S.A.); (M.A.); (L.J.); (Z.K.)
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (T.d.G.); (J.F.M.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil
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