1
|
Dao A, Kim HY, Garnham K, Kidd S, Sati H, Perfect J, Sorrell TC, Harrison T, Rickerts V, Gigante V, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alffenaar JW, Morrissey CO, Chen SCA, Beardsley J. Cryptococcosis-a systematic review to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae043. [PMID: 38935902 PMCID: PMC11210623 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae043] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis causes a high burden of disease worldwide. This systematic review summarizes the literature on Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii infections to inform the World Health Organization's first Fungal Priority Pathogen List. PubMed and Web of Science were used to identify studies reporting on annual incidence, mortality, morbidity, antifungal resistance, preventability, and distribution/emergence in the past 10 years. Mortality rates due to C. neoformans were 41%-61%. Complications included acute renal impairment, raised intracranial pressure needing shunts, and blindness. There was moderate evidence of reduced susceptibility (MIC range 16-32 mg/l) of C. neoformans to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. Cryptococcus gattii infections comprised 11%-33% of all cases of invasive cryptococcosis globally. The mortality rates were 10%-23% for central nervous system (CNS) and pulmonary infections, and ∼43% for bloodstream infections. Complications described included neurological sequelae (17%-27% in C. gattii infections) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. MICs were generally low for amphotericin B (MICs: 0.25-0.5 mg/l), 5-flucytosine (MIC range: 0.5-2 mg/l), itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole (MIC range: 0.06-0.5 mg/l). There is a need for increased surveillance of disease phenotype and outcome, long-term disability, and drug susceptibility to inform robust estimates of disease burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiken Dao
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Katherine Garnham
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Qld 4575, Australia
| | - Sarah Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hatim Sati
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tania C Sorrell
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University London, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Valeria Gigante
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - C Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash University, Department of Infectious Diseases, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Predominance of a Specific Genotype of Cryptococcus neoformans var. Grubii in China and Japan. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8162096. [PMID: 36035289 PMCID: PMC9410922 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8162096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The extensive deployment of molecular genotyping methods is the top reliable keyword to characterize the population genetic structure of C. neoformans in the past decade. However, studies involving genotypic analysis of C. neoformans var. grubii from China and Japan are limited. Objectives We address this challenge to determine the genotype distribution of C. neoformans var. grubii strains from China and Japan. Methods Genotypic analysis of 52 C. neoformans var. grubii isolates was performed using multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) based on the sequence analysis of 3 functional genes. In order to place the herein-studied strains into the global picture, 22 strains randomly selected from the 52 strains studied by MLMT were also analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the orotidine monophosphate pyrophosphorylase gene (URA5-RFLP), M13 PCR-fingerprinting, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results MLMT classified 46 (88.5%) of the 52 strains as genotype MLMT-17. The high prevalence of the MLMT-17 type was observed for environmental and clinical isolates from China and Japan. URA5-RFLP analysis, M13 PCR-fingerprinting, and MLST showed that most of these belong to the VNI/ST5 (M5) genotype. Conclusions Our study suggests the predominance of a specific genotype of C. neoformans var. grubii in China and Japan.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cryptococcus spp. and Cryptococcosis: focusing on the infection in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1321-1337. [PMID: 35486354 PMCID: PMC9433474 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a global fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii yeast complex. This infection is acquired by inhalation of propagules such as basidiospores or dry yeast, initially causing lung infections with the possibility of progressing to the meninges. This infection mainly affects immunocompromised HIV and transplant patients; however, immunocompetent patients can also be affected. This review proposes to evaluate cryptococcosis focusing on studies of this mycosis in Brazilian territory; moreover, recent advances in the understanding of its virulence mechanism, animal models in research are also assessed. For this, literature review as realized in PubMed, Scielo, and Brazilian legislation. In Brazil, cryptococcosis has been identified as one of the most lethal fungal infections among HIV patients and C. neoformans VNI and C. gattii VGII are the most prevalent genotypes. Moreover, different clinical settings published in Brazil were described. As in other countries, cryptococcosis is difficult to treat due to a limited therapeutic arsenal, which is highly toxic and costly. The presence of a polysaccharide capsule, thermo-tolerance, production of melanin, biofilm formation, mechanisms for iron use, and morphological alterations is an important virulence mechanism of these yeasts. The introduction of cryptococcosis as a compulsory notification disease could improve data regarding incidence and help in the management of these infections.
Collapse
|
4
|
de Oliveira L, Melhem MDSC, Buccheri R, Chagas OJ, Vidal JE, Diaz-Quijano FA. Early clinical and microbiological predictors of outcome in hospitalized patients with cryptococcal meningitis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:138. [PMID: 35139801 PMCID: PMC8830130 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis causes high mortality in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The objective of this study was to identify early predictors of clinical outcome, available at the first days of hospitalization, in patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a tertiary center in Brazil. Methods Ninety-six cases of cryptococcal meningitis with clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data, and identification and antifungal susceptibility of the strains were analyzed. Quantitative CSF yeast counts were performed by direct microscopic exam with a Fuchs-Rosenthal cell counting chamber using an institutional protocol. Univariable and multiple analyses using logistic regression were performed to identify predictors, available at the beginning of hospitalization, of in-hospital mortality. Moreover, we performed a secondary analysis for a composite outcome defined by hospital mortality and intensive care unit transfer. Results The species and the antifungal susceptibility were not associated with the outcomes evaluated. The variables significantly associated with the mortality were age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.15), the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) yeasts count (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.20–2.27), systemic arterial hypertension (OR = 22.63, 95% CI 1.64–312.91) and neurological impairment identified by computed tomography (OR = 41.73, 95% CI 3.10–561.65). At the secondary analysis, CSF yeast count was also associated with the composite outcome, in addition to the culture of Cryptococcus spp. from bloodstream and cerebral toxoplasmosis. The associations were consistent with survival models evaluated. Conclusions Age and CSF yeast count were independently associated with in-hospital mortality of patients with cryptococcal meningitis but Cryptococcus species identification and antifungal susceptibility were not associated with the outcomes. Quantitative CSF yeast counts used in this study can be evaluated and implemented in other low and middle-income settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07118-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidiane de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil.
| | - Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
- Mycology Unit of Adolfo Lutz Institute, Public Health Reference Laboratory, Secretary of Health, Av. Dr.Arnaldo, 351, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bairro Universitário, Av. Costa e Silva, s/no, Campo Grande, MS, CEP 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Buccheri
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil
| | - Oscar José Chagas
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil
| | - José Ernesto Vidal
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Fredi Alexander Diaz-Quijano
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Al-Odaini N, Li XY, Li BK, Chen XC, Huang CY, Lv CY, Pan KS, Zheng DY, Zheng YQ, Liao WQ, Cao CW. In vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii Clinical Isolates in Guangxi, Southern China. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:708280. [PMID: 34447360 PMCID: PMC8383296 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.708280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed the in vitro drug sensitivity of Cryptococcus spp. from Guangxi, Southern China. One hundred three strains of Cryptococcus were recovered from 86 patients; 14 were HIV positive and 72 were HIV negative. Ninety-two strains were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, while 11 strains were identified as Cryptococcus gattii (5 C. gattii sensu stricto and 6 Cryptococcus deuterogattii). The recovered strains were tested against commonly used antifungal drugs (fluconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, itraconazole, and voriconazole) and to novel antifungal drugs (posaconazole and isavuconazole) using CLSI M27-A4 method. The results showed that all isolates were susceptible to most antifungal drugs, of which the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges were as follows: 0.05-4 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.25-1 μg/ml for amphotericin B; 0.0625-2 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.0625-0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0078-0.25 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0313-0.5 μg/ml for posaconazole, 0.0020-0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. neoformans var. grubii isolates, and 1-16 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.125-1 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.25-1 μg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.0625-0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0156-0.125 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0156-0.25 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 0.0078-0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. gattii isolates. Furthermore, some C. neoformans var. grubii isolates were found to be susceptible-dose dependent to 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole. In addition, a reduction in the potency of fluconazole against C. gattii is possible. We observed no statistical differences in susceptibility of C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii in the tested strains. Continuous observation of antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates is recommended to monitor the emergence of resistant strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Al-Odaini
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Bing-Kun Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Xing-Chun Chen
- The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Chun-Yang Huang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Chun-Ying Lv
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Kai-Su Pan
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Dong-Yan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Qing Zheng
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China.,Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, China
| | - Wan-Qing Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Fungal Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun-Wei Cao
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Health Commission Key Lab of Fungi and Mycosis Research and Prevention, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhatt M, Porterfield JZ, Ribes JA, Arora V, Myint T. Changing demographics and risk factors for cryptococcosis: A 12-year review at a tertiary care centre. Mycoses 2021; 64:1073-1082. [PMID: 34033158 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcosis is classically associated with the immunocompromised patients but there is a rising appreciation for its impact on the immunocompetent hosts. We sought to analyse the trends, diagnosis, treatment of different hosts and the effect of immunodeficiency and chronic liver disease on relapse and in-house mortality. METHODS This is a retrospective study of 12 years of patients with cryptococcosis, divided into three different groups: HIV-infected, transplant and non-HIV non-transplant (NHNT). Data were analysed with Chi-square, unpaired parametric t test, simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of 114 identified patients, 23 (20.2%) had HIV infection, 11 (9.6%) had transplant, 80 (70.2%) were NHNT patients. Overall, mortality was 28.1% (32/114) and relapse occurred in 10.5% (12/114) of patients. The mortality trend was higher (OR = 2.346, p = .287) in the transplant group (45.5%, 5/11) than in HIV (26.1%, 6/23) and NHNT groups (26.3%, 21/80). HIV was associated with relapse; 30.4% (7/23) for HIV-positive patients and 5.5% (5/91) for HIV-negative patients (OR = 7.525, p = .002). Chronic liver disease had a large and statistically significant association with mortality on multivariate analysis (OR = 3.583, p = .013) which was more pronounced than the HIV or transplant groups. It was independently associated with mortality by chi-square analysis (OR 3.137, p = .012). CONCLUSION Chronic liver disease represented 30.7% (35/114) of all studied patients. It was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality. HIV infection and transplant were not statistically significant for mortality. Relapse was highest in the HIV-infected patients at 30.4% (7/23). These data highlight the effect of type and degree of immunocompromise on cryptococcosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Bhatt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS, USA
| | - J Zachary Porterfield
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Julie A Ribes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Vaneet Arora
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Thein Myint
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Firacative C, Meyer W, Castañeda E. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes in Latin America: A Map of Molecular Types, Genotypic Diversity, and Antifungal Susceptibility as Reported by the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040282. [PMID: 33918572 PMCID: PMC8069395 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis, is caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. In Latin America, cryptococcal meningitis is still an important health threat with a significant clinical burden. Analysis of publicly available molecular data from 5686 clinical, environmental, and veterinary cryptococcal isolates from member countries of the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group showed that, as worldwide, C. neoformans molecular type VNI is the most common cause of cryptococcosis (76.01%) in HIV-infected people, followed by C. gattii molecular type VGII (12.37%), affecting mostly otherwise healthy hosts. These two molecular types also predominate in the environment (68.60% for VNI and 20.70% for VGII). Among the scarce number of veterinary cases, VGII is the predominant molecular type (73.68%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed that, in Latin America, the C. neoformans population is less diverse than the C. gattii population (D of 0.7104 vs. 0.9755). Analysis of antifungal susceptibility data showed the presence of non-wild-type VNI, VGI, VGII, and VGIII isolates in the region. Overall, the data presented herein summarize the progress that has been made towards the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcal isolates in Latin America, contributing to the characterization of the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of these globally spreading pathogenic yeasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-297-0200 (ext. 3404)
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Research and Education Network Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School-Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia;
| | - Elizabeth Castañeda
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu SY, Kang M, Liu Y, Chen ZX, Xiao YL, He C, Ma Y. Molecular epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Cryptococcus species isolates from HIV and non-HIV patients in Southwest China. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 40:287-295. [PMID: 32895755 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-04013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
To investigated the molecular epidemiology and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates from West China Hospital from HIV and non-HIV patients between 2009 and 2015. A total of 132 C. neoformans and C. gattii were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing by E-test method. Among the 132 isolates, 42 C. neoformans and C. gattii were analyzed by mating type and URA5-RFLP. A total of 113 C. neoformans and C. gattii were subjected to multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). MLST results revealed that ST5 was the major molecular type. The wild-type (WT) phenotype was seen in 91.5-100% of C. neoformans isolates for amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine, fluconazole, and voriconazole. However, 72.3% (94/130) of C. neoformans isolates were non-wild-type (non-WT) to itraconazole by E-test method. In the sixth study year, the geometric mean, MIC50 and MIC90 of fluconazole were the highest (P < 0.001). Among 132 patients. 52 were coinfected with HIV and 80 were HIV-negative. Isolates from HIV and non-HIV patients showed no differences in susceptibility to amphotericin B (P = 0.544), 5-flucytosine (P = 0.063), fluconazole (P = 0.570), voriconazole (P = 0.542), and itraconazole (P = 0.787). Our study showed that Cryptococcus in southwest China showed a low degree of genetic diversity. The increased MIC values of fluconazole are noted. Cryptococcus isolates from HIV and non-HIV patients have shown no differences in susceptibility to five antifungal agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Ying Wu
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ya Liu
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Chen
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Ling Xiao
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grizante Barião PH, Tonani L, Cocio TA, Martinez R, Nascimento É, von Zeska Kress MR. Molecular typing, in vitro susceptibility and virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex clinical isolates from south-eastern Brazil. Mycoses 2020; 63:1341-1351. [PMID: 32869413 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus neoformans/ Cryptococcus gattii species complex is composed of encapsulated yeast species that are causative agents of cryptococcosis. The characterisation of pathogenic Cryptococcus species provides useful data for epidemiological studies as well as the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterise the epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility and virulence of 72 clinical strains isolated from cryptococcosis cases between 2012 and 2017 in a tertiary reference hospital in south-eastern Brazil. METHODS Species and molecular types were molecularly assessed by PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the URA5 gene. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the CLSI protocols. The virulence was studied in a Galleria mellonella infection model. RESULTS The most frequently isolated strain was C. neoformans molecular type VNI (61/72; 84.7%), although C. neoformans molecular type VNII (3/72; 4.2%) was also isolated. Additionally, C. deuterogattii molecular type VGII (8/72; 11.1%) was present, but most frequently from non-HIV-infected patients. Non-wild-type phenotype to the antifungals was observed in 26.4% (19/72) of the C. neoformans and C. deuterogattii clinical isolates, and the latter demonstrated higher MIC to fluconazole and itraconazole than C. neoformans clinical isolates. Finally, the virulence of C. neoformans and C. deuterogattii clinical isolates was diverse in G mellonella larvae and uncorrelated with the virulence factors of melanin and capsule. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of the spread of cryptococcal species and molecular types as well as the pattern of corresponding antifungal susceptibility and virulence aids in surveil the emergence of resistant strains, ensuring more accurate management of the cryptococcal infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Helena Grizante Barião
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Analises Clinicas, Toxicologicas e Bromatologicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ludmilla Tonani
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Analises Clinicas, Toxicologicas e Bromatologicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Alexandre Cocio
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Clinica Medica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Clinica Medica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Érika Nascimento
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Clinica Medica, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska Kress
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Analises Clinicas, Toxicologicas e Bromatologicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Okurut S, Boulware DR, Olobo J, Meya DB. Landmark clinical observations and immunopathogenesis pathways linked to HIV and Cryptococcus fatal central nervous system co-infection. Mycoses 2020; 63:840-853. [PMID: 32472727 PMCID: PMC7416908 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis remains one of the leading causes of death among HIV-infected adults in the fourth decade of HIV era in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to 10%-20% of global HIV-related deaths. Despite widespread use and early induction of ART among HIV-infected adults, incidence of cryptococcosis remains significant in those with advanced HIV disease. Cryptococcus species that causes fatal infection follows systemic spread from initial environmental acquired infection in lungs to antigenaemia and fungaemia in circulation prior to establishment of often fatal disease, cryptococcal meningitis in the CNS. Cryptococcus person-to-person transmission is uncommon, and deaths related to blood infection without CNS involvement are rare. Keen to the persistent high mortality associated with HIV-cryptococcal meningitis, seizures are common among a third of the patients, altered mental status is frequent, anaemia is prevalent with ensuing brain hypoxia and at autopsy, brain fibrosis and infarction are evident. In addition, fungal burden is 3-to-4-fold higher in those with seizures. And high immune activation together with exacerbated inflammation and elevated PD-1/PD-L immune checkpoint expression is immunomodulated phenotypes elevated in CSF relative to blood. Lastly, though multiple Cryptococcus species cause disease in this setting, observations are mostly generalised to cryptococcal infection/meningitis or regional dominant species (C neoformans or gattii complex) that may limit our understanding of interspecies differences in infection, progression, treatment or recovery outcome. Together, these factors and underlying mechanisms are hypotheses generating for research to find targets to prevent infection or adequate therapy to prevent persistent high mortality with current optimal therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Okurut
- Research DepartmentInfectious Diseases InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Department of MicrobiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International MedicineDepartment of MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesota
| | - Joseph Olobo
- Department of Immunology and Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Research DepartmentInfectious Diseases InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International MedicineDepartment of MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesota
- Department of MedicineSchool of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pharkjaksu S, Chongtrakool P, Chayakulkeeree M, Mitrpant C, Angkasekwinai P, Bennett JE, Kwon-Chung KJ, Ngamskulrungroj P. Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii Species Complexes from Pre-HIV Pandemic Era Contain Unusually High Rate of Non-Wild-Type Isolates for Amphotericin B. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:673-681. [PMID: 32161475 PMCID: PMC7049752 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s235473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii species complexes are a leading cause of fatality among HIV-infected patients. Despite the unavailability of clinical breakpoints (CBPs) for antifungal agents, epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) were recently proposed, and non-wild-type isolates for polyenes and azoles are being increasingly reported. However, the distributions of the susceptibility patterns for pre-HIV-era isolates have not been studied. Methods We determined the in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns of 233 Cryptococcus isolates, collected at the National Institutes of Health, USA, in pre-HIV pandemic era, to study minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to the important drugs for cryptococcosis and to compare the results with strain genotypes. Amphotericin B susceptibility was compared to published ECV of C. neoformans. Results The 233 Cryptococcus strains consisted of 89.7% C. neoformans species complex and 10.3% C. gattii species complex. Most were from clinical sources (189, 81.1%), and the major molecular type was VNI (146, 62.7%). The highest geometric mean (GM) was observed for fluconazole (GM = 0.96 µg/mL) while the lowest was for itraconazole (GM = 0.10 µg/mL). MICs to fluconazole in C. gattii species complex were significantly higher than C. neoformans species complex (p < 0.001). Moreover, C. neoformans/VNI strains showed significantly higher MICs than others such as C. neoformans/VNII to fluconazole (p < 0.0001) and C. deneoformans/VNIV to amphotericin B (p = 0.022) and fluconazole (p = 0.008). In our collection of 167 clinical C. neoformans species complex strains, 85 (50.9%), 24 (14.4%), and 3 (1.8%) strains had an amphotericin B (AMB)-MIC of 1, 2, and 4 µg/mL, respectively. The high percentage (66.9%, 79/118 strains) of non-wild-type clinical C. neoformans VNI strains, using an AMB-ECV of 0.5 µg/mL, was found. Moreover, 25 of 28 (89.3%) C. neoformans VNI strains from environmental and veterinary sources also had AMB-MICs above 0.5 µg/mL. In general, there was no significant difference in GM AMB-MIC of the clinical strains isolated from patients with (35 patients) and without (78 patients) prior AMB treatment (0.85 vs 0.76; p = 0.624). GM MIC of the environmental strains was not significantly different from that of the prior AMB-treatment strains (0.98 vs 0.76, p = 0.159) and the post-AMB-treatment strains (0.98 vs 0.85, p = 0.488). Conclusion The high rate of non-wild-type among these otherwise naive isolates to amphotericin B is unexpected. Confirmation with more strains from a later era is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujiraphong Pharkjaksu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piriyaporn Chongtrakool
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Methee Chayakulkeeree
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpimon Angkasekwinai
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - John E Bennett
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kyung J Kwon-Chung
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Popchai Ngamskulrungroj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pllana-Hajdari D, Cogliati M, Čičmak L, Pleško S, Mlinarić-Missoni E, Mareković I. First Isolation, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Molecular Characterization of Cryptococcus neoformans from the Environment in Croatia. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5040099. [PMID: 31614885 PMCID: PMC6958495 DOI: 10.3390/jof5040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex isolates from environmental sources in Croatia and to determine their molecular types and antifungal susceptibility. Swab samples of tree hollows and bird excreta in the soil beneath trees were collected. Samples included 472 (92.73%) samples obtained from tree hollows and 37 (7.27%) samples from bird excreta. Four C. neoformans species complex isolates were recovered from tree hollow swabs along the Mediterranean coast, while there were no isolates recovered from bird excreta or from the continental area. Three isolates were identified as molecular types VNI and one as VNIV. All tested antifungals showed high in vitro activity against the four isolates. This is the first report proving the presence of C. neoformans species complex in the environment of Croatia. The results of the study suggest a major risk of exposure for inhabitants living along the Croatian coast and that both VNI and VNIV molecular types can be expected in clinical cases of cryptococcosis. Susceptibility to antifungals confirmed that no resistance should be expected in patients with cryptococcosis at the present time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donjeta Pllana-Hajdari
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prishtina 10 000, Kosovo.
| | - Massimo Cogliati
- Laboratorio di Micologia Medica, Dipartimento Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20133, Italy.
| | - Ljiljana Čičmak
- Department for Parasitology and Mycology, Croatian Institute for Public Health, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia.
| | - Sanja Pleško
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia.
| | - Emilija Mlinarić-Missoni
- Department for Parasitology and Mycology, Croatian Institute for Public Health, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia.
| | - Ivana Mareković
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb 10 000, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ponzio V, Chen Y, Rodrigues AM, Tenor JL, Toffaletti DL, Medina-Pestana JO, Colombo AL, Perfect JR. Genotypic diversity and clinical outcome of cryptococcosis in renal transplant recipients in Brazil. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:119-129. [PMID: 30866766 PMCID: PMC6455115 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2018.1562849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genotypic diversity and fluconazole susceptibility of 82 Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates from 60 renal transplant recipients in Brazil were characterized. Clinical characteristics of the patients and prognostic factors were analysed. Seventy-two (87.8%) isolates were C. neoformans and 10 (12.2%) were C. gattii. VNI was the most common molecular type (40 cases; 66.7%), followed by VNII (9 cases; 15%), VGII (6 cases; 10%), VNB (4 cases; 6.7%) and VNI/II (1 case; 1.7%). The isolates showed a high genetic diversity in the haplotype network and six new sequence types were described, most of them for VNB. There was a bias towards skin involvement in the non-VNI population (P = .012). VGII isolates exhibited higher fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations compared to C. neoformans isolates (P = 0.008). The 30-day mortality rate was 38.3%, and it was significantly associated with fungemia and absence of headache. Patients infected with VGII had a high mortality rate at 90 days (66.7%). A variety of molecular types produce disease in renal transplant recipients in Brazil and highlighted by VGII and VNB. We report the clinical appearance and impact of the molecular type, fluconazole susceptibility of the isolates, and clinical characteristics on patient outcome in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Ponzio
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Yuan Chen
- b Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- c Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Jennifer L Tenor
- b Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Dena L Toffaletti
- b Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
| | - José Osmar Medina-Pestana
- d Hospital do Rim Oswaldo Ramos Foundation, Discipline of Nephrology , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Escola Paulista de Medicina , Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - John R Perfect
- b Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Molecular types of Cryptococcus species isolated from patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital. Braz J Infect Dis 2018; 22:495-498. [PMID: 30508502 PMCID: PMC9425640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Brazil. Here, we report on the identification of the molecular pattern of the Cryptococcus species that caused meningitis in patients admitted in a Brazilian reference tertiary care hospital, and review the published studies addressing the molecular epidemiology of Cryptococcus in Brazil. Our study has shown the predominance of molecular type VNII in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Molecular types VNII and VGII were occasionally detected in HIV-infected and non-infected patients with meningoencephalitis. In contrast, previous studies have shown that several regions exhibited a high prevalence of the VNI molecular type and sporadic cases of the VNII and VGII molecular types in patients with cryptococcosis in Brazil. Additional studies including VNII isolates will contribute to understanding the epidemiology and phylogenetic relationship of these genotype compared to the other ones. So far, no clear correlation has been established between genotypes, antifungal susceptibility for Cryptococcus and clinical outcome in cryptococcosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ruiz-Gaitán A, Moret AM, Tasias-Pitarch M, Aleixandre-López AI, Martínez-Morel H, Calabuig E, Salavert-Lletí M, Ramírez P, López-Hontangas JL, Hagen F, Meis JF, Mollar-Maseres J, Pemán J. An outbreak due to Candida auris with prolonged colonisation and candidaemia in a tertiary care European hospital. Mycoses 2018; 61:498-505. [PMID: 29655180 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Candida auris has emerged as a cause of insidious hospital outbreaks and complicated infections. We present the analysis of an ongoing C. auris outbreak including the largest published series of C. auris bloodstream infection. All C. auris-positive patients from April-2016 to January-2017 were included. Environmental, clinical and microbiological data were recorded. Definitive isolate identification was performed by ITS-rDNA sequencing, and typing by amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting. One hundred and forty patients were colonised by C. auris during the studied period (68% from surgical intensive care). Although control measures were implemented, we were not able to control the outbreak. Forty-one invasive bloodstream infections (87.8% from surgical intensive care) were included. Clinical management included prompt intravascular catheter removal and antifungal therapy with echinocandins. All isolates were fluconazole- and voriconazole-resistant, but echinocandin- and amphotericin B-susceptible. Thirty-day mortality rate was 41.4%, and severe septic metastasis as spondylodiscitis and endocarditis were observed in 5 patients (12%). C. auris was also recovered from inanimate patient surroundings and medical equipment. Despite antifungal treatment, high mortality and late complication rates were recorded. Molecular typing suggested a clonal outbreak different from those previously published.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Medical Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana M Moret
- Anesthesiology and Surgical Critical Care Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Tasias-Pitarch
- Infectious Diseases Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana I Aleixandre-López
- Anesthesiology and Surgical Critical Care Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Martínez-Morel
- Preventive Medicine Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Calabuig
- Preventive Medicine Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Salavert-Lletí
- Infectious Diseases Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paula Ramírez
- Severe Infection Research Group, Medical Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Critical Care, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - José L López-Hontangas
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Juan Mollar-Maseres
- Infectious Diseases Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Medical Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|