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Gonçalves VN, Amorim SS, da Costa MC, de Assis Santos D, Convey P, Rosa LH. Pathogenic potential of an environmental Aspergillus fumigatus strain recovered from soil of Pygoscelis papua (Gentoo penguins) colony in Antarctica. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1521-1528. [PMID: 38649623 PMCID: PMC11153445 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01326-w] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common opportunistic pathogen in different animals, including birds such as penguins. For the first time, a fungal strain identified as A. fumigatus was isolated from soil in the nests of gentoo penguins, Pygoscelis papua, on Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands (maritime Antarctica). This isolate (A. fumigatus UFMGCB 11829) displayed a series of potentially pathogenic characteristics in vitro. We evaluated its detailed molecular taxonomy and submitted the A. fumigatus UFMGCB 11829 Antarctic strain to in vivo pathogenic modelling. The isolate was confirmed to represent A. fumigatus morphological and phylogenetic analysis showed that it was closely related to A. fumigatus sequences reported from animals, immunosuppressed humans, storage grains, plants and soils. The strain displayed the best mycelial growth and conidia production at 37 ºC; however, it was also able to grow and produce conidia at 15º, demonstrating its capability to survive and colonize penguin nest at least in the summer season in maritime Antarctica. In pathogenicity tests, healthy mice did not showed symptoms of infection; however, 50% lethality was observed in immunosuppressed mice that were inoculated with 106 and 107 spores. Lethality increased to 100% when inoculated with 108 spores. Our data highlight the potential pathogenicity of opportunistic A. fumigatus that may be present in the Antarctic, and the risks of both their further transfer within Antarctica and outwards to other continents, risks which may be exacerbated due global climatic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vívian Nicolau Gonçalves
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P. O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Soraya Sander Amorim
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P. O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marliete Carvalho da Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P. O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Assis Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P. O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, NERC, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Biodiversity of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luiz Henrique Rosa
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, P. O. Box 486, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.
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Clinical and Anatomopathological Evaluation of BALB/c Murine Models Infected with Isolates of Seven Pathogenic Sporothrix Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121647. [PMID: 34959602 PMCID: PMC8705601 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with worldwide distribution and caused by seven pathogenic species of Sporothrix genus: S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. brasiliensis, S. globosa and S. luriei (clinical clade), and the species S. mexicana, S. pallida and S. chilensis (environmental clade). Isolates of the same species of Sporothrix may have different pathogenicities; however, few isolates of this fungus have been studied. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the clinical and anatomopathological changes in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed BALB/c mice infected with clinical and environmental isolates of seven different species of Sporothrix, from both clades. One human clinical isolate of S. schenckii sensu stricto, S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, S. luriei, S. mexicana and S. chilensis species and one environmental isolate of S. pallida were inoculated subcutaneously in immunocompetent mice and the same isolates of S. brasiliensis and S.schenckii sensu stricto were inoculated in immunossupressed mice. Clinical manifestations as external lesions, apathy, and alopecia were observed. At 21, 35, and 49 days after fungal inoculation, four mice from each group were weighed, euthanized and necropsied for evaluation of splenic index, recovery of fungal cells, macroscopic and histopathological analysis of livers, lungs, kidneys, and hearts. The survival assessment was observed for 50 days following inoculation. Our results demonstrated that, clinical S. schenckii isolate, followed by clinical S. mexicana, and environmental S. pallida isolates, the last two, species grouped in the environmental clade, were capable of inducing greater anatomopathological changes in mice, which was reflected in the severity of the clinical signs of these animals. Thus, we reinforce the hypothesis that the pathogenicity of Sporothrix is not only related to the species of this fungus, but also shows variation between different isolates of the same species.
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Corrêa-Moreira D, Dos Santos A, Menezes RC, Morgado FN, Borba CM, Oliveira-Ferreira J. Skin Immune Response of Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed C57BL/6 Mice After Experimental Subcutaneous Infection Caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:615383. [PMID: 34194400 PMCID: PMC8236815 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.615383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyalohyphomycosis is a fungal infection characterized by the presence of a hyaline mycelium in the host. It is caused by several agents, such as Purpureocillium lilacinum. Our study aimed to evaluate some cell subsets and inflammatory markers involved in the in situ immune response to subcutaneous hyalohyphomycosis by P. lilacinum in C57BL/6 murine models. The fungal isolate was inoculated in mice randomly distributed in immunocompetent/infected (CI) and immunosuppressed/infected (SI) groups. Mice were evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after inoculation. Histopathological studies showed several lesions in the site of infection as well as the formation of multifocal and mixed inflammatory infiltrates, which differed between the CI and SI groups. This analysis also revealed conidia and hypha-like structures in subcutaneous tissues of mice of both groups. The immunohistochemical analysis showed lower percentages of macrophages and neutrophils in the SI group compared to those in the CI group. Moreover, the intensity of interleukin (IL)-1β and nitric oxide synthase 2 production by cells of immunosuppressed mice was discreet, compared to immunocompetent mice that ranged from moderate to intense over time. The quantitative interference of dexamethasone in the response to the fungus was also demonstrated. We concluded that our results can be useful not only to broaden the knowledge on P. lilacinum but also, based on this host-parasite relationship, to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielly Corrêa-Moreira
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Arethuza Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Menezes
- Laboratory of Clinical Research in Dermatozoonosis in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cintia M Borba
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
This article presents two cases of contact lens wearers with keratitis caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus. The special feature of these cases was the superficial manifestation of the infection in the upper stromal layer without infiltration into deeper layers. The pathogen was identified following epithelial debridement and corneal scraping. In both cases the fungal keratitis could be successfully managed by intensive topical treatment with voriconazole. Except for an epithelial debridement with EDTA chelation and an amniotic membrane transplantation in one case, no further surgical interventions were necessary.
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de Sequeira DCM, Menezes RC, Oliveira MME, Antas PRZ, De Luca PM, de Oliveira-Ferreira J, Borba CDM. Experimental Hyalohyphomycosis by Purpureocillium lilacinum: Outcome of the Infection in C57BL/6 Murine Models. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1617. [PMID: 28878763 PMCID: PMC5572354 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpureocillium lilacinum is a filamentous, hyaline fungus considered an emerging pathogen in humans. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of hyalohyphomycosis in C57BL/6 murine models inoculated with two clinical P. lilacinum isolates (S1 and S2). Each isolate was inoculated in mice randomly distributed in immunocompetent (CPT) and immunosuppressed (SPS) groups. Mice were evaluated at day 7, 21, and 45 after inoculation for histopathological analysis, recovery of fungal cells, and immunological studies. Histological analysis showed scarce conidia-like structures in lung tissue from CPT mice and a lot of fungal cells in SPS mice inoculated with S2 compared to mice inoculated with S1. The maximum recovery of fungal cells was seen in CPT mice inoculated with both isolates at day 7, but with mean significantly higher in those inoculated with S2 isolate. Phenotypical characterization of T cells showed TCD8+ lymphocytes predominance over TCD4+ in immunosuppressed mice infected and control groups. We also observed higher percentages of the central and effector memory/effector phenotype in CPT mice infected with S2 strain, especially in TCD8+ in the initial period of infection. Regulatory T cells showed higher percentages in immunosuppressed, predominantly after the acute phase. Our results showed that the P. lilacinum is a fungus capable to cause damages in competent and immunosuppressed experimental hosts. Furthermore, S2 isolate seems to cause more damage to the experimental host and it was possible to identify different cellular subsets involved in the mice immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielly C M de Sequeira
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Menezes
- Laboratory of Clinical Research in Dermatozoonosis, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Manoel M E Oliveira
- Laboratory of Mycology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectology, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo R Z Antas
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula M De Luca
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Cintia de Moraes Borba
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Bioprospecting of Fungi, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz FoundationRio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Retrospective case-series of Paecilomyces lilacinus ocular mycoses in Queensland, Australia. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:627. [PMID: 26521140 PMCID: PMC4628435 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to report: (1) the varying presentation of Paecilomyces ocular infections arising in Queensland; (2) the significance of immunosuppression as a primary determinant of disease; (3) the outcomes of voriconazole use; and (4) the ongoing need for both surgical and medical management of this devastating fungal infection. Methods A retrospective case series of 21 culture proven individuals participated in this series and were identified via a review of the pathology reporting system utilized in the Queensland public health system. All culture proven individuals were subjected to a systematic chart review. Results The primary risk factor for Paecilomyces lilacinus infection is immunosuppression with 81.25 % of individuals being on some form of immunosuppression (i.e. systemic or topical). Of the cases 71.43 % had an intact epithelial surface at the time of diagnosis, and 76 % had no previous ocular history. The final visual outcomes were nine cases with HM vision or worse, three cases with 6/48–6/60 vision, three cases 6/12–6/24, and six cases with 6/12 vision or better. Despite voriconazole use rates of greater than 80 %, protracted and poor treatment outcomes continue to be commonplace. Conclusions Paecilomyces lilacinus is a filamentous fungus that has a predilection for immunosuppressed individuals. Despite in vitro and case reports demonstrating the effectiveness of voriconazole poor outcomes continue to be seen.
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de Sequeira DCM, Peixoto MLP, De Luca PM, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Antas PRZ, Borba CM. Detection of antibody to Purpureocillium lilacinum by immunofluorescent assay and flow cytometry in serum of infected C57BL/6 mice. J Immunol Methods 2013; 396:147-51. [PMID: 23872615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpureocillium lilacinum is an emerging pathogenic fungus that can cause different clinical manifestations ranging from cutaneous and sub-cutaneous infections to severe oculomycosis. In this study, using both conventional indirect immunofluorescence and non-conventional flow cytometry approaches, IgG antibodies were readily detected in both C57BL/6 immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice after i.v. infection with P. lilacinum. The humoral immune response was specific, since virtually no antibodies were detected in the serum of control mice. Flow cytometry assays also showed both quantitative and qualitative differences in total IgG and its isotypes in sera of immunocompetent and immunosupressed infected mice. Although a good starting point, it is clear that the effectiveness of serological assays for P. lilacinum hyalohyphomycosis identification in clinical studies still requires further standardization. Upon further validation in humans, these techniques have the potential to be suitable to detect P. lilacinum infection in patients, thereby avoiding current laborious and time-consuming culture techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielly C M de Sequeira
- Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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