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Madani M, Safari F, Khodabandeh M, Izadi S, Zahraei-Ramazani A. Periplaneta americana (Blattodea: Blattidae) fungal pathogens in hospital sewer systems: molecular and phylogenetic approaches. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:643-652. [PMID: 37254911 PMCID: wh_2023_015 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Cockroaches are known as mechanical vectors of some pathogens that can infect humans. The present study aims to rapidly identify Periplaneta americana fungal pathogens from sewer systems of public hospitals in Esfahan using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A total of 55 P. americana cockroaches were randomly collected by direct trapping from sewer systems of seven hospitals and screened for fungal infectious agents using standard morphological methods and the PCR sequencing. From the American cockroach, we isolated 62 yeasts and 31 molds from the surface, hemocoel, and digestive tract of P. americana. Based on DNA sequence comparisons and other taxonomic characteristics, they were identified as more than four species of yeast and four species of mold. Yeast species including Pichia kudriavzevii, Candida glabrata, Pichia kluyveri, and Candida viswanathii, and molds such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Mucor plumbeus, and Rhizopus oryzae were isolated repeatedly from the surface, hemocoel, and digestive tract of P. americana. Our results show that the use of a combination of morphological, molecular techniques, and phylogenetic analysis can lead to the identification of pathogenic fungal agents in American cockroaches and also knowledge of fungal pathogens-arthropod host relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Madani
- Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran 84517-31167
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran 84517-31167
| | - Maryam Khodabandeh
- Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan, Iran 84517-31167
| | - Shahrokh Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 14176-13151
| | - Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani
- Department of Biology and Vector Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 14176-13151 E-mail:
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Salmanton-García J, Au WY, Hoenigl M, Chai LYA, Badali H, Basher A, Brockhoff RA, Chen SCA, Chindamporn A, Chowdhary A, Heath CH, Jabeen K, Lee J, Matar M, Taj-Aldeen SJ, Tan BH, Uno K, Wahyuningsih R, Zhu L, Chakrabarti A, Cornely OA. The current state of laboratory mycology in Asia/Pacific: A survey from the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM). Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 61:106718. [PMID: 36640851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in Asia/Pacific are a particular threat to patients with malignancies, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or undiagnosed/untreated human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Adequate and early access to diagnostic tools and antifungals is essential for IFI clinical management and patient survival. METHODS Details on institution profile, self-perception on IFI, and access to microscopy, culture, serology, antigen detection, molecular testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring for IFI were collected in a survey. RESULTS As of June 2022, 235 centres from 40 countries/territories in Asia/Pacific answered the questionnaire. More than half the centres were from six countries: India (25%), China (17%), Thailand (5%), Indonesia, Iran, and Japan (4% each). Candida spp. (93%) and Aspergillus spp. (75%) were considered the most relevant pathogens. Most institutions had access to microscopy (98%) or culture-based approaches (97%). Furthermore, 79% of centres had access to antigen detection, 66% to molecular assays, and 63% to antibody tests. Access to antifungals varied between countries/territories. At least one triazole was available in 93% of the reporting sites (voriconazole [89%] was the most common mould-active azole), whereas 80% had at least one amphotericin B formulation, and 72% had at least one echinocandin. CONCLUSION According to the replies provided, the resources available for IFI diagnosis and management vary among Asia/Pacific countries/territories. Economical or geographical factors may play a key role in the incidence and clinical handling of this disease burden. Regional cooperation may be a good strategy to overcome shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Salmanton-García
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Wing-Yan Au
- Blood-Med Clinic, Central, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States; Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC), Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ariful Basher
- Department of Medicine, Dhaka Infectious Disease Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ronja A Brockhoff
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - 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, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ariya Chindamporn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Christopher H Heath
- Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, WA, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kausar Jabeen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jaehyeon Lee
- Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Madonna Matar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Lebanon; School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Saad Jaber Taj-Aldeen
- Mycology Unit, Microbiology Division, Department of Laboratory, Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ban Hock Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenji Uno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Minami-Nara General Medical Center, Nara, Japan
| | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Liping Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Lewis D, Feldman S. Cutaneous manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_75_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Missaoui J, Saidane D, Mzoughi R, Minervini F. Fermented Seeds ("Zgougou") from Aleppo Pine as a Novel Source of Potentially Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E709. [PMID: 31861080 PMCID: PMC6958562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms inhabiting fermented foods represent the main link between the consumption of this food and human health. Although some fermented food is a reservoir of potentially probiotic microorganisms, several foods are still unexplored. This study aimed at characterizing the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from zgougou, a fermented matrix consisting of a watery mixture of Aleppo pine's seeds. In vitro methods were used to characterize the safety, survival ability in typical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, and adherence capacity to surfaces, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Strains belonged to the Lactobacillus plantarum group and Enterococcus faecalis showed no DNase, hemolytic, and gelatinase activities. In addition, their susceptibility to most of the tested antibiotics, satisfied some of the safety prerequisites for their potential use as probiotics. All the strains tolerated low pH, gastrointestinal enzymes, and bile salts. They displayed a good antibacterial activity and antibiofilm formation against 10 reference bacterial pathogens, especially when used as a cell-free supernatant. Furthermore, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus carbonarius. Finally, they had good antioxidant activity, although depending on the strain. Overall, the results of this work highlight that zgougou represents an important reservoir of potentially probiotic LAB. Obviously, future studies should be addressed to confirm the health benefits of the LAB strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihen Missaoui
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Evaluation of Environmental Pollutants and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir University, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; (J.M.); (D.S.); (R.M.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Dalila Saidane
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Evaluation of Environmental Pollutants and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir University, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; (J.M.); (D.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Ridha Mzoughi
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Evaluation of Environmental Pollutants and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir University, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia; (J.M.); (D.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Fabio Minervini
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Ultrashort Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for the Treatment of Fungal Infections. Gels 2018; 4:gels4020048. [PMID: 30674824 PMCID: PMC6209295 DOI: 10.3390/gels4020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat of antimicrobial resistance to society is compounded by a relative lack of new clinically effective licensed therapies reaching patients over the past three decades. This has been particularly problematic within antifungal drug development, leading to a rise in fungal infection rates and associated mortality. This paper highlights the potential of an ultrashort peptide, (naphthalene-2-ly)-acetyl-diphenylalanine-dilysine-OH (NapFFKK-OH), encompassing hydrogel-forming and antifungal properties within a single peptide motif, thus overcoming formulation (e.g., solubility, drug loading) issues associated with many currently employed highly hydrophobic antifungals. A range of fungal susceptibility (colony counts) and cell cytotoxicity (MTS cell viability, LIVE/DEAD staining® with fluorescent microscopy, haemolysis) assays were employed. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the nanofibrous architecture of our self-assembling peptide, existing as a hydrogel at concentrations of 1% w/v and above. Broad-spectrum activity was demonstrated against a range of fungi clinically relevant to infection (Aspergillus niger, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida dubliniensis) with greater than 4 log10 CFU/mL reduction at concentrations of 0.5% w/v and above. We hypothesise antifungal activity is due to targeting of anionic components present within fungal cell membranes resulting in membrane disruption and cell lysis. NapFFKK-OH demonstrated reduced toxicity against mammalian cells (NCTC 929, ARPE-19) suggesting increased selectivity for fungal cells. However, further studies relating to safety for systemic administration is required, given the challenges toxicity has presented in the wider context of antimicrobial peptide drug development. Overall this study highlights the promise of NapFFKK-OH hydrogels, particularly as a topical formulation for the treatment of fungal infections relating to the skin and eyes, or as a hydrogel coating for the prevention of biomaterial related infection.
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Botelho KP, Soares YC, Gonçalves DP, Melo BLA. Figurate erythematous lesion by Microsporum canis in immunosuppressed patient. An Bras Dermatol 2018; 93:141-142. [PMID: 29641719 PMCID: PMC5871384 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are fungi capable of invading keratinized tissues. Isolation of the fungus with the culture is essential to guide the treatment, because there are more resistant species like Microsporum canis. The chronic use of corticosteroids leads to the deregulation of immunity, promoting atypical manifestations of infections. Topical antifungal therapy is often insufficient, requiring systemic medications. We describe the case of a patient undergoing systemic corticosteroid therapy with a large figurate lesion who presented complete response to exclusively topical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Paschoal Botelho
- Outpatient Department of General Dermatology,
Centro de Dermatologia Dona Libânia - Fortaleza (CE), Brazil
| | - Yuri Coelho Soares
- Outpatient Department of General Dermatology,
Centro de Dermatologia Dona Libânia - Fortaleza (CE), Brazil
| | - Deborah Pereira Gonçalves
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital
Universitário Walter Cantídio - Universidade Federal do Ceará (HUWC-UFC) -
Fortaleza (CE), Brazil
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Geral Dr.
César Cals (HGCC) - Fortaleza (CE), Brazil
| | - Bárbara Lima Araújo Melo
- Outpatient Department of General Dermatology,
Centro de Dermatologia Dona Libânia - Fortaleza (CE), Brazil
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Ali SY, Gajjala SR, Raj A. Study of prevalence of dermatophytes among human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS patients in Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2018; 39:98-101. [PMID: 30623179 PMCID: PMC6298157 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_103_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytoses in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients as well as to analyze the influence of CD4+ T-cell level in the Dermatology and STD Outpatient Department of Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Himayat sagar road, Hyderabad (Telangana state). The patients were tested for dermatophytic infections, as well as for the CD4+ T-cell counts. A total of 120 HIV-seropositive patients were included in this study, among which 38 were diagnosed of dermatophytosis. A majority of patients were in the 21–30 years’ age group. Tinea cruris was seen in majority of the cases, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common culprit. Background: Cutaneous fungal infections have been reported worldwide as being one of the most common human infectious diseases in clinical practice. Dermatophytoses in individuals with HIV infection seem to manifest with atypical, multiple, or extensive lesions more frequently. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dermatophytic infections among HIV-seropositive patients and their relation with CD4 count. Materials and Methods: This single-center prospective study was conducted in all HIV-seropositive patients (by double ELISA methods) who attended the Dermatology and STD Outpatient Department of Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Himayat sagar road, Hyderabad (Telangana state), from March 2015 to September 2016. They were screened for cutaneous fungal infections and those who tested positive were recruited for this study. Results: A total of 120 HIV-seropositive patients were included in this study, among which 38 were diagnosed of dermatophytosis. Most patients were in the 21–30 years’ age group. Tinea cruris was the most common variant, and T. rubrum was the most common offending pathogen. It was also found that the CD4+ T-cell count does not influence the occurrence of dermatophytoses. Conclusion: Superficial fungal infections are a common yet significant problem in HIV infection. They are characterized by the diversity of clinical aspects; the lesions are mostly caused by T. rubrum. It is essential that optimum treatment should be administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Yousuf Ali
- Department of Dermatology and STD, Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Post Graduate Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sukumar Reddy Gajjala
- Department of Dermatology and STD, Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Post Graduate Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Akhilesh Raj
- Department of Dermatology and STD, Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences, Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Post Graduate Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Costa J, Neves R, Delgado M, Lima-Neto R, Morais V, Coêlho M. Dermatophytosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: clinical aspects and etiologic agents. Acta Trop 2015. [PMID: 26200786 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytosis in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection seems to manifest with atypical, multiple, or extensive lesions more frequently. In addition, there are reports of presentations with little inflammation, called anergics. Less common etiologic agents have been isolated in these individuals, such as Microsporum species. To describe clinical aspects and etiologic agents of dermatophytosis in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Patients with clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis underwent scarification for mycological diagnosis through direct microscopic examination and fungal isolation in culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Sixty individuals had a clinical hypothesis of dermatophytosis. In 20 (33.3%) of the 60 patients, dermatophytosis was confirmed through a mycological study. Tinea corporis, diagnosed in 14 patients, was the most frequent clinical form, followed by tinea unguium in 7, tinea cruris in 5, and tinea pedis in 1 patient. Most of the lesions of tinea corporis were anergic. Five patients with tinea unguium had involvement of multiple nails, with onychodystrophy as the predominant subtype. Multiple cutaneous lesions occurred in 3 patients and extensive cutaneous lesions in 4. Regarding the agent, Trichophyton rubrum was the most commonly isolated. The high occurrence of anergic skin lesions and involvement of multiple nails, especially as onychodystrophy, corroborates the hypothesis that atypical, disseminated, and more severe presentations are common in individuals with HIV infection. However, no Microsporum species was isolated even in atypical, extensive, or disseminated cases, in disagreement with previous reports. Therefore, the approach of squamous lesions in HIV-positive patients must include a mycological study, in view of the possibility of anergic dermatophytosis, to promote the introduction of a suitable therapeutic agent.
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Ruíz-López P, Moreno-Coutiño G, Fernández-Martínez R, Espinoza-Hernández J, Rodríguez-Zulueta P, Reyes-Terán G. Evaluation of improvement of onychomycosis in HIV-infected patients after initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy without antifungal treatment. Mycoses 2015; 58:516-21. [PMID: 26155930 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Onychomycosis in HIV-infected patients has a prevalence of 20-44% and is more frequently seen with CD4(+) T cell counts ≤450 cel μl(-1). There are case reports of improvement in onychomycosis after initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), but there are no prospective studies that prove the existence and frequency of this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to evaluate if HIV-infected patients with onychomycosis who begin cART improve and/or cure without antifungal treatment. We included HIV-infected patients with onychomycosis who had not started cART and nor received antifungal therapy during 6 months prior to the study. We evaluated affected the nails with the Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI); nail scrapings were collected and direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as well as mycological culture were performed. We repeated these procedures at 3 and 6 months to assess changes. CD4 T cell counts and HIV viral load were obtained. A total of 16 patients were included, with male gender predominance (68.7%); distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was the most common form (31.3%). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated microorganism. OSI decreased 21.5% at 3 months and 40% at 6 months after initiation of antiretrovirals (P = 0.05). We found a non-significant tendency towards improvement with higher CD4(+) T cell counts and with viral loads <100 000 copies ml(-1). This could be due to the increase in CD4(+) T cells, decreased percentage of Treg (CD4(+)CD25(+)) among CD4(+) Tcells and/or a decreased viral load; further studies are necessary to prove these hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ruíz-López
- Dermatology Division, Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, México, México
| | | | | | | | | | - Gustavo Reyes-Terán
- Center for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, México, México
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Arora S, Haghi M, Loo CY, Traini D, Young PM, Jain S. Development of an inhaled controlled release voriconazole dry powder formulation for the treatment of respiratory fungal infection. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:2001-9. [PMID: 25923171 DOI: 10.1021/mp500808t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present research aimed to develop and characterize a sustained release dry powder inhalable formulation of voriconazole (VRZ) for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The developed formulations were studied for their in vitro release profile, aerosol, and physicochemical properties as well as interactions with lung epithelia in terms of toxicity and transport/uptake. VRZ and VRZ loaded poly lactide microparticles (VLM) were prepared by aqueous/organic cosolvent and organic spray drying, respectively. Powders were characterized using laser diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), and electron microscopy. Aerosol performance was evaluated using an RS01 dry powder inhaler and in vitro cascade impaction. Uptake across Calu-3 lung epithelia was studied, using aerosol deposition of the powder onto cells cultured in an air interface configuration, and compared to dissolution using a conventional dialysis membrane. Additionally, toxicity of VRZ and VLM and the potential impact of transmembrane proteins on uptake were investigated. The particle size and the aerosol performance of spray-dried VRZ and VLM were suitable for inhalation purposes. VRZ exhibited a median volume diameter of 4.52 ± 0.07 μm while VLM exhibited 2.40 ± 0.05 μm. Spray-dried VRZ was crystalline and VLM amorphous as evaluated by DSC and XRPD, and both powders exhibited low moisture sorption between 0 and 90% RH (<1.2% w/w) by DVS. The fine particle fraction (FPF) (% aerosol <5 μm) for the VRZ was 20.86 ± 1.98% while the VLM showed significantly improved performance (p < 0.01) with an FPF of 43.56 ± 0.13%. Both VRZ and VLM were not cytotoxic over a VRZ concentration range of 1.2 nM to 30 μM, and the VLM particles exhibited a sustained release over 48 h after being deposited on the Calu-3 cell line or via conventional dialysis-based dissolution measurements. Lastly, VRZ exhibited polarized transport across epithelia with basal to apical transport being slower than apical to basal. Influx and efflux transports may also play a role as transport was altered in the presence of a number of inhibitors. This study has established an inhalable and sustained release powder of VRZ for targeting invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Arora
- †Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Punjab 160062, India.,‡Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2037, Australia
| | - Mehra Haghi
- ‡Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2037, Australia
| | - Ching-Yee Loo
- ‡Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2037, Australia
| | - Daniela Traini
- ‡Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2037, Australia
| | - Paul M Young
- ‡Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2037, Australia
| | - Sanyog Jain
- †Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Punjab 160062, India
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Arora S, Mahajan RR, Kushwah V, Baradia D, Misra A, Jain S. Development of voriconazole loaded large porous particles for inhalation delivery: effect of surface forces on aerosolisation performance, assessment of in vitro safety potential and uptake by macrophages. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra00248f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalation delivery of voriconazole loaded large porous particles represent an effective and safe way to prolong pulmonary residence of voriconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Arora
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
- Mohali
- India
| | - Rahul R. Mahajan
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
- Mohali
- India
| | - Varun Kushwah
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
- Mohali
- India
| | - Dipesh Baradia
- TIFAC-CORE in NDDS
- Pharmacy Department
- Faculty of Technology and Engineering
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
- Vadodara-390 001
| | - Ambikanandan Misra
- TIFAC-CORE in NDDS
- Pharmacy Department
- Faculty of Technology and Engineering
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
- Vadodara-390 001
| | - Sanyog Jain
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Department of Pharmaceutics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
- Mohali
- India
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Mugisha MK, Asiimwe S, Namutebi A, Borg-Karlson AK, Kakudidi EK. Ethnobotanical study of indigenous knowledge on medicinal and nutritious plants used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in western Uganda. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:194-202. [PMID: 24862490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional medicine plays an important role in the daily lives of the people of Uganda to treat a wide range of health problems. Our study presents results of an ethnobotanical inventory conducted to identify and document medicinal and nutritional plants used in the management of opportunistic infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), the plant parts used, preparation and administration methods of herbal remedies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed semi-structured interviews with 79 respondents (women 78%, men 22%), who included specialists in medicinal plants (such as traditional birth attendants and herbalists) and non specialists with general knowledge of plant use. Respondents answered a semi-structured questionnaire regarding their knowledge of plants and general treatment practices including management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections. The reported plants were collected and identified. Data were analyzed using factor informant consensus and fidelity level to determine homogeneity of informants׳ knowledge on medicinal and nutritional plants suitable for different ailment categories and the most preferred plant species used to treat each ailment category in the study areas. RESULTS The study revealed 148 plant species belonging to 54 families, most of which were herbs (50.7%). Leaves (61.6%) were the most frequently used parts in remedy preparations which were mainly administered orally (72%). The majority of plants (62%) were harvested from wild habitats. The most important species according to fidelity values are Hibiscus sabdariffa L. for anaemia, Mangifera indica L. for cough, Zehneria scabra (L. F.) Sond. for skin infections, Rhus natalensis Bernh.ex.Krauss for diarrhoea and Tarenna pavettoides (Harv.) Sim for appetite boosting. The factor informant consensus highlighted the agreement in the use of plants and showed that the respiratory infections category had the greatest agreement (0.60). Family Asteraceae accounted for 15% of the total species recorded. Sixty plant species (40%) of the plants provide nutritional support. CONCLUSION The study revealed that folk medicine is still widely practised. Fidelity level values indicate that these plants are the most preferred species for particular ailments. The high consensus value (0.6) indicated that there was high agreement in the use of plants for respiratory ailments among others. These preferred plant species could be prioritized for conservation and subjected to chemical screening to ascertain their pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Savina Asiimwe
- School of BioSciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Agnes Namutebi
- School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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da Silva BCM, Paula CR, Auler ME, Ruiz LDS, Dos Santos JI, Yoshioka MCN, Fabris A, Castro LGM, Duarte AJDS, Gambale W. Dermatophytosis and immunovirological status of HIV-infected and AIDS patients from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Mycoses 2014; 57:371-6. [PMID: 24417711 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, more people became infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Because of that the incidence of fungal infections rose dramatically. It happened because this virus can modify the course of fungal diseases, leading to altered clinical pictures. The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological and biological aspects of dermatophytosis in HIV-positive and AIDS patients living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 84 (44 HIV-positive and 40 AIDS) patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were tested for dermatophyte infections, as well as for the CD4(+) /CD8(+) and HIV viral load counts. Tinea unguium was most frequently observed in AIDS patients, whereas Tinea pedis was mostly observed in HIV-positive patients. The most frequent dermatophyte species was Trichophyton rubrum. CD4(+) counts and CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratios were not associated with a higher risk for dermatophytosis. On the other hand, viral load higher than 100 000 copies/ml was associated with a higher frequency of dermatophytosis. The results suggest to that although dermatophytosis is common in HIV-positive and AIDS patients, the degree of immunosuppression does not seems to correlate with increased risk of this fungal infection. In addition, high viral load as a predictive risk factor for dermatophyte infection should be subject of further evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosco Christiano Maciel da Silva
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Science Institute II (ICB II), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Dermatology and Immunodeficiency (LIM 56), Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Izgü F, Altinbay D, Türeli AE. In VitroSusceptibilities ofCandidaspp. to Panomycocin, a Novel Exo-β-1,3-Glucanase Isolated fromPichia anomalaNCYC 434. Microbiol Immunol 2013; 51:797-803. [PMID: 17895596 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2007.tb03975.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Panomycocin, the killer toxin of Pichia anomala NCYC 434 (K5), is a 49 kDa monomeric glycoprotein with exo-beta-1,3-glucanase activity (patent pending). In this study we evaluated the in vitro activity of panomycocin against a panel of 109 human isolates of seven different pathogenic Candida spp. using microdilution and time-kill methods. Panomycocin was most active against C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis and C. glabrata with MIC(90) values of 1 microg/ml. It displayed significant activity against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis with MIC(90) values of 4 and 2 microg/ml, respectively. For C. krusei, the MIC(90) value was 8 microg/ml. Panomycocin was fungicidal against all the tested Candida spp. The MFC values were only one or 2 dilutions higher than the MICs with the exception of C. krusei isolates with MFCs greater than or equal to 4xMIC. Results of this study indicated that panomycocin could be considered as a natural antifungal agent against Candida infections and has significant potential for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Izgü
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
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16
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Abstract
Infectious and noninfectious skin diseases are observed in about 90% of HIV patients, and their incidence increases and is more severe as the immune system weakens. Cutaneous manifestations are considered good clinical predictors for the immunological condition of the patient with AIDS and the introduction of highly effective antiretroviral therapy totally changed the prognosis of the mycoses, among other diseases associated with AIDS, permitting longer survival and acceptable level of quality of life for these patients. This contribution describes the systemic mycoses that are more frequent in the seropositive population, that is, patients with HIV/AIDS, which are cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, penicilliosis, and aspergillosis. Their causative agents, mode of transmission, clinics, laboratorial diagnosis and therapy, in the aspects related to immunodepressed patients, are reviewed.
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Shekh RM, Roy U. Biochemical characterization of an anti-Candida factor produced by Enterococcus faecalis. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:132. [PMID: 22759735 PMCID: PMC3585888 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Because Candida albicans is resistant to several antifungal antibiotics, there is a need to identify other less toxic natural products, particularly antimicrobial proteins, peptides or bacteriocin like inhibitory substances. An attempt has been made to purify and characterise an anti-Candida compound produced by Enterococcus faecalis. Results An anti-Candida protein (ACP) produced by E. faecalis active against 8 C. albicans strains was characterised and partially purified. The ACP showed a broad-spectrum activity against multidrug resistant C. albicans MTCC 183, MTCC 7315, MTCC 3958, NCIM 3557, NCIM 3471 and DI. It was completely inactivated by treatment with proteinase K and partially by pronase E. The ACP retained biological stability after heat-treatment at 90°C for 20 min, maintained activity over a pH range 6–10, and remained active after treatment with α-amylase, lipase, organic solvents, and detergents. The antimicrobial activity of the E. faecalis strain was found exclusively in the extracellular filtrate produced in the late logarithmic growth phase. The highest activity (1600 AU mL-1) against C. albicans MTCC 183 was recorded at 48 h of incubation, and activity decreased thereafter. The peptide showed very low haemagglutination and haemolytic activities against human red blood cells. The antimicrobial substance was purified by salt-fractionation and chromatography. Partially purified ACP had a molecular weight of approximately 43 KDa in Tricine-PAGE analysis. The 12 amino acid N terminal sequence was obtained by Edman degradation. The peptide was de novo sequenced by ESI-MS, and the deduced combined sequence when compared to other bacteriocins and antimicrobial peptide had no significant sequence similarity. Conclusions The inhibitory activity of the test strain is due to the synthesis of an antimicrobial protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of a promising non-haemolytic anti-Candida protein from E. faecalis that might be used to treat candidiasis especially in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeesh M Shekh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus, NH-17B, Goa, 403726, India
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19
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Zhang X, Jacob MR, Rao RR, Wang YH, Agarwal AK, Newman DJ, Khan IA, Clark AM, Li XC. Antifungal cyclic peptides from the marine sponge Microscleroderma herdmani.. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 2:7-14. [PMID: 23936761 DOI: 10.2147/rrmc.s30895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Screening natural product extracts from the National Cancer Institute Open Repository for antifungal discovery afforded hits for bioassay-guided fractionation. Using LC-MS analysis to generate chemical structure information on potentially active compounds, two new cyclic hexapeptides, microsclerodermins J (1) and K (2), were isolated from the deep-water sponge Microscleroderma herdmani, along with microsclerodermins A (3) and B (4), previously isolated from an unidentified Microscleroderma species. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. In vitro antifungal testing showed that the four compounds possessed strong activities against the opportunistic fungal pathogens Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhang
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS
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20
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Ramos-e-Silva M, Lima CMO, Schechtman RC, Trope BM, Carneiro S. Superficial mycoses in immunodepressed patients (AIDS). Clin Dermatol 2010; 28:217-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2009.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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21
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Matejuk A, Leng Q, Begum MD, Woodle MC, Scaria P, Chou ST, Mixson AJ. Peptide-based Antifungal Therapies against Emerging Infections. DRUG FUTURE 2010; 35:197. [PMID: 20495663 DOI: 10.1358/dof.2010.035.03.1452077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Acquired drug resistance to mycotic infections is rapidly emerging as a major medical problem. Opportunistic fungal infections create therapeutic challenges, particularly in high risk immunocompromised patients with AIDS, cancer, and those undergoing transplantation. Higher mortality and/or morbidity rates due to invasive mycosis have been increasing over the last 20 years, and in light of growing resistance to commonly used antibiotics, novel antifungal drugs and approaches are required. Currently there is considerable interest in antifungal peptides that are ubiquitous in plant and animal kingdoms. These small cationic peptides may have specific targets or may be multifunctional in their mechanism of action. On the basis of recent advances in protein engineering and solid phase syntheses, the utility and potential of selected peptides as efficient antifungal drugs with acceptable toxicity profiles are being realized. This review will discuss recent advances in peptide therapy for opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matejuk
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Baltimore, MSTF Building, 10 South Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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22
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Arnáiz-García M, Alonso-Peña D, del Carmen González-Vela M, García-Palomo J, Sanz-Giménez-Rico J, Arnáiz-García A. Cutaneous mucormycosis: report of five cases and review of the literature. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2009; 62:e434-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2008.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2007] [Revised: 03/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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e Silva FM, de Paula JE, Espindola LS. Evaluation of the antifungal potential of BrazilianCerradomedicinal plants. Mycoses 2009; 52:511-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ramos A, Ussetti P, Laporta R, Lázaro M, Sánchez-Romero I. Cutaneous aspergillosis in a lung transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2009; 11:471-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2009.00423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Palmero ML, Pope E, Brophy J. Sporotrichoid aspergillosis in an immunocompromised child: a case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Dermatol 2009; 26:592-6. [PMID: 19840318 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2009.00991.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is an uncommon, opportunistic infection. Atypical presentations have recently emerged with the expanding range of primary and acquired diseases that cause immunosuppression. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis may invade the deep lymphatic structures and present in a sporotrichoid pattern. In pediatric patients with an otherwise normal previous medical history, primary cutaneous aspergillosis should raise the suspicion of an immunodeficiency and prompt referral to immunology and infectious disease specialists should be made. Early diagnosis and management of primary cutaneous aspergillosis prevents invasive aspergillosis, minimizing morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lourdes Palmero
- Section of Dermatology, Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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26
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Kim CW, Seo JS, Kim MK, Jun EJ, Choi JC, Choi BW. Secondary cutaneous aspergillosis disseminated from the lungs of a patient with asthma on 1 month steroid treatment. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 66:104-7. [PMID: 19709841 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous aspergillosis is very rare and occurs predominantly in transplant patients. Here, we report a 55-year-old female who underwent steroid treatment for 1 month and developed secondary cutaneous aspergillosis from pulmonary aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Woong Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung-Ang University Yong-San Hospital, Seoul 140-757, South Korea
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Abstract
The Tzanck smear is a rapid and simple technique that can be performed in the clinic or doctor's office with minimal patient discomfort or cost. It is known to most dermatologists as a rapid test for diagnosing herpes virus infections. Its use, however, can be more widely applied, including in the diagnosis of pustular diseases of the newborn, cutaneous infections, vesiculobullous diseases, and non-melanoma skin cancers. Material is gently scraped from the base of a vesicle, blister, or pustule or directly from the lesion or tumor. Typically, the material is allowed to air dry after which it can then be stained with a variety of stains, including Giemsa, toluidine blue, and methylene blue. The Tzanck smear should not be used to replace more standard diagnostic techniques, but rather as an adjunct to the physical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Kelly
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0783, USA.
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28
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Cheng YM, Hong TY, Liu CC, Meng M. Cloning and functional characterization of a complex endo-beta-1,3-glucanase from Paenibacillus sp. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2008; 81:1051-61. [PMID: 18802694 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-008-1617-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/12/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A beta-1,3-glucanase gene, encoding a protein of 1,793 amino acids, was cloned from a strain of Paenibacillus sp. in this study. This large protein, designated as LamA, consists of many putative functional units, which include, from N to C terminus, a leader peptide, three repeats of the S-layer homologous module, a catalytic module of glycoside hydrolase family 16, four repeats of the carbohydrate-binding module of family CBM_4_9, and an analogue of coagulation factor Fa5/8C. Several truncated proteins, composed of the catalytic module with various organizations of the appended modules, were successfully expressed and characterized in this study. Data indicated that the catalytic module specifically hydrolyze beta-1,3- and beta-1,3-1,4-glucans. Also, laminaritriose was the major product upon endolytic hydrolysis of laminarin. The CBM repeats and Fa5/8C analogue substantially enhanced the hydrolyzing activity of the catalytic module, particularly toward insoluble complex substrates, suggesting their modulating functions in the enzymatic activity of LamA. Carbohydrate-binding assay confirmed the binding capabilities of the CBM repeats and Fa5/8C analogue to beta-1,3-, beta-1,3-1,4-, and even beta-1,4-glucans. These appended modules also enhanced the inhibition effect of the catalytic module on the growth of Candida albicans and Rhizoctonia solani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Mei Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo-Kuang Rd, Taichung, Taiwan 40227, Republic of China
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Ozcan D, Güleç AT, Haberal M. Multiple subcutaneous nodules leading to the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis in a renal transplant recipient. Clin Transplant 2008; 22:120-3. [PMID: 18217913 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2007.00740.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillosis is the second most frequent opportunistic fungal infection in solid organ transplant recipients; however, cutaneous aspergillosis occurs very rarely. Herein, we report a 34-yr-old male renal transplant recipient with secondary cutaneous aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in whom cutaneous lesions led to the correct diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of secondary cutaneous aspergillosis reported in the setting of a solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deren Ozcan
- Department of Dermatology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Griesche N, Zikos D, Witkowski P, Nitsche A, Ellerbrok H, Spiller OB, Pauli G, Biere B. Growth characteristics of human adenoviruses on porcine cell lines. Virology 2008; 373:400-10. [PMID: 18191169 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2007.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2007] [Revised: 11/30/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Human adenoviruses (hAdV) have been recognized as a highly prevalent virus family causing severe disease in immunocompromised patients. In xenotransplantation the xenograft therefore will be exposed to these viruses, which in case of its infection might contribute to posttransplant complications. To evaluate the susceptibility of porcine cells for hAdV, we infected the porcine cell line POEK with seven serotypes representing all six hAdV species. Additionally, a second porcine cell line (ST) was infected with two serotypes. Viral replication of serotypes varied: porcine cells were fully permissive for serotypes 1, 4 and 17, semi-permissive for 11 and 21, and non-permissive for 31 and 40. Furthermore, we demonstrated the interaction of serotype 1 with the porcine homologue of the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor, the receptor used by many hAdV serotypes for cell attachment. Thus, various adenovirus types of different hAdV species may be capable of infecting different porcine tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Griesche
- Robert Koch-Institut, Zentrum für Biologische Sicherheit 1, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Izgü F, Altinbay D, Türeli AE. In vitro activity of panomycocin, a novel exo-?-1,3-glucanase isolated from Pichia anomala NCYC 434, against dermatophytes. Mycoses 2007; 50:31-4. [PMID: 17302745 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Killer proteins that are produced and secreted into the environment by certain yeast strains are considered as promising antifungal agents. In this study, in vitro activity of Pichia anomala NCYC 434 (K5) killer protein, panomycocin, which is a 49 kDa glycoprotein with an exo-beta-1,3-glucanase activity was tested against 41 isolates of dermatophytes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by a broth microdilution method based on the reference document M38-A of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI; formerly NCCLS). For panomycocin MIC determinations two end point criteria MIC-2 (prominent growth inhibition) and MIC-0 (complete growth inhibition) were recorded. All the tested isolates (Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.) were found susceptible to panomycocin. The MIC-2 values ranged from 0.25 to 2 microg ml(-1) and MIC-0 values ranged from 1 to 8 microg ml(-1). These results showed that panomycocin is active in vitro against fungal strains that cause superficial infections and highlighted its probable use as a topical antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Izgü
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
With diminished and dysregulated cell-mediated immunity, HIV-infected individuals are susceptible to a myriad of skin infections. These infections include the conditions encountered in immunocompetent patients, as well as infections seen almost exclusively in the setting of HIV infection. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has made some previously rare infections more prominent. Although antiretroviral therapy has been helpful in relieving the burden of cutaneous infections in HIV-infected patients, it does not prevent all opportunistic infections in the skin and also has created new dilemmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly T Hogan
- Division of Emergency Services, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 359702, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
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