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Abstract
HIV infection alters the skin microbiome and predisposes to a wide range of cutaneous infections, from atypical presentations of common skin infections to severe disseminated infections involving the skin that are AIDS-defining illnesses. Bacterial infection of the skin, most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, occurs frequently and can result in bacteremia. Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections that are usually localized to the skin may disseminate, and guidance on the treatment of these infections is limited. Herpes simplex can be severe, and less common presentations such as herpetic sycosis and herpes vegetans have been reported. Severe herpes zoster, including disseminated infection, requires intravenous antiviral treatment. Viral warts can be particularly difficult to treat, and in atypical or treatment-resistant cases a biopsy should be considered. Superficial candidosis occurs very commonly in people living with HIV, and antifungal resistance is an increasing problem in non-albicans Candida species. Systemic infections carry a poor prognosis. In tropical settings the endemic mycoses including histoplasmosis are a problem for people living with HIV, and opportunistic infections can affect those with advanced HIV in all parts of the world. Most cutaneous infections can develop or worsen as a result of immune reconstitution in the weeks to months after starting antiretroviral therapy. Direct microscopic examination of clinical material can facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation, although culture is important to provide microbiological confirmation and guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Chandler
- Dermatology Department, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK; Department of Global Health & Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
| | - Stephen L Walker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Department of Dermatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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2
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Höft MA, Duvenage L, Salie S, Keeton R, Botha A, Schwartz IS, Govender NP, Brown GD, Hoving JC. The pathogenesis of experimental Emergomycosis in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011850. [PMID: 38198478 PMCID: PMC10805315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Emergomyces africanus is a recently identified thermally-dimorphic fungal pathogen that causes disseminated infection in people living with advanced HIV disease. Known as emergomycosis, this disseminated disease is associated with very high case fatality rates. Over the last decade, improved diagnostics and fungal identification in South Africa resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases. Although the true burden of disease is still unknown, emergomycosis is among the most frequently diagnosed dimorphic fungal infections in Southern Africa; and additional species in the genus have been identified on four continents. Little is known about the pathogenesis and the host's immune response to this emerging pathogen. Therefore, we established a murine model of pulmonary infection using a clinical isolate, E. africanus (CBS 136260). Both conidia and yeast forms caused pulmonary and disseminated infection in mice with organisms isolated in culture from lung, spleen, liver, and kidney. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice demonstrated a drop in body weight at two weeks post-infection, corresponding to a peak in fungal burden in the lung, spleen, liver, and kidney. An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production was detected in homogenized lung supernatants including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL12-p40 and IL-17 at three- and four-weeks post-infection. No significant differences in TNF, IL-12p70 and IL-10 were observed in wild-type mice between one and four-weeks post-infection. Rag-1-deficient mice, lacking mature T-and B-cells, had an increased fungal burden associated with reduced IFN-γ production. Together our data support a protective T-helper type-1 immune response to E. africanus infection. This may provide a possible explanation for the susceptibility of only a subset of people living with advanced HIV disease despite hypothesized widespread environmental exposure. In summary, we have established a novel murine model of E. africanus disease providing critical insights into the host immune components required for eliminating the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine A. Höft
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucian Duvenage
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sumayah Salie
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Roanne Keeton
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alfred Botha
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ilan S. Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Claire Hoving
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building Stocker Road, Exeter, United Kingdom
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3
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Hoving JC. Emergomyces africanus poses an emerging threat. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:4-5. [PMID: 38177299 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Claire Hoving
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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4
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Borman AM, Johnson EM. Changes in fungal taxonomy: mycological rationale and clinical implications. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0009922. [PMID: 37930182 PMCID: PMC10732072 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00099-22] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous fungal species of medical importance have been recently subjected to and will likely continue to undergo nomenclatural changes as a result of the application of molecular approaches to fungal classification together with abandonment of dual nomenclature. Here, we summarize those changes affecting key groups of fungi of medical importance, explaining the mycological (taxonomic) rationale that underpinned the changes and the clinical relevance/importance (where such exists) of the key nomenclatural revisions. Potential mechanisms to mitigate unnecessary taxonomic instability are suggested, together with approaches to raise awareness of important changes to minimize potential clinical confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Borman
- UK HSA National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- UK HSA National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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5
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Torres-Garcia D, Gené J, García D, Cano-Lira JF. Insights into Some Onygenalean Fungi from Freshwater Sediments in Spain and Description of Novel Taxa. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1129. [PMID: 38132730 PMCID: PMC10744713 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, colonizing keratin-rich soils or dung. Little is known about their diversity in aquatic environments. Combining morphological features and sequence analyses of the ITS and LSU regions of the nrDNA, we identified 14 species distributed in the genera Aphanoascus, Arachniotus, Arthroderma, Arthropsis, Emmonsiellopsis, Gymnoascoideus, Leucothecium, Malbranchea, and Myriodontium. Furthermore, three novel species for the genus Malbranchea are proposed as M. echinulata sp. nov., M. irregularis sp. nov., and M. sinuata sp. nov. The new genera Albidomyces and Neoarthropsis are introduced based on Arachniotus albicans and Arthropsis hispanica, respectively. Neoarthropsis sexualis sp. nov. is characterized and differentiated morphologically from its counterpart by the production of a sexual morph. The novel family Neoarthropsidaceae is proposed for the genera Albidomyes, Apinisia, Arachnotheca, Myriodontium, and Neoarthropsis, based on their phylogenetic relationships and phenotypic and ecological traits. Pseudoamaurascopsis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate P. spiralis sp. nov., a fungus with unclear taxonomy related to Amaurascopsis and Polytolypa. We traced the ecology and global distribution of the novel fungi through ITS environmental sequences deposited in the GlobalFungi database. Studying the fungal diversity from freshwater sediments not only contributes to filling gaps in the relationships and taxonomy of the Ascomycota but also gives us insights into the fungal community that might represent a putative risk to the health of animals and humans inhabiting or transient in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josepa Gené
- Unitat de Micologia i Microbiologia Ambiental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and IU-RESCAT, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (D.T.-G.); (D.G.); (J.F.C.-L.)
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Vinayagamoorthy K, Gangavaram DR, Skiada A, Prakash H. Emergomycosis, an Emerging Thermally Dimorphic Fungal Infection: A Systematic Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1039. [PMID: 37888295 PMCID: PMC10607913 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101039] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by the Emergomyces species. Infections due to this agent have been reported globally. Hence, the present systematic review on Emergomyces infections was conducted to study the disease epidemiology, underlying diseases and risk factors, causative agents, and treatment and outcome. The MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched systematically with appropriate keywords from January 1990 to October 2022. A total of 77 cases of emergomycosis were included in the analysis. Emergomycosis was most commonly seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n = 61, 79.2%) and HIV-uninfected patients with or without other comorbidities (n = 16, 20.8%). The underlying disease and risk factors significantly associated with emergomycosis in the HIV-infected patients were CD4+ T-cell counts less than 100 cells/mm3 (n = 55, 90.2%), anaemia (n = 30, 49.2%), and thrombocytopenia (n = 17, 27.9%), whereas in the HIV-uninfected patients, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (n = 10, 62.5%), renal disease (n = 8, 50%), transplant recipients (n = 6, 37.5%), and diabetes mellitus (n = 4, 25%) were the significant risk factors associated with emergomycosis. Emergomyces africanus (n = 55, 71.4%) is the most common causative agent, followed by E. pasteurianus (n = 9, 11.7%) and E. canadensis (n = 5, 6.5%). E. africanus was most often isolated from HIV-infected patients (n = 54, 98.2%), whereas E. pasteurianus was most common in HIV-uninfected patients (n = 5, 55.6%). The all-cause mortality rate of the total cohort is 42.9%. No significant variation in the mortality rate is observed between the HIV-infected patients (n = 28, 36.4%) and the HIV-uninfected patients (n = 5, 6.5%). In conclusion, with an increase in the immunosuppressed population across the globe in addition to HIV infection, the case burden of emergomycosis may increase in the future. Hence, clinicians and mycologists should be vigilant and clinically suspicious of emergomycosis, which helps in early diagnosis and initiation of antifungal treatment to prevent disease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dinesh Reddy Gangavaram
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, PES Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Kuppam 517425, Andhra Pradesh, India;
| | - Anna Skiada
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Hariprasath Prakash
- Department of Microbiology, PES Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Kuppam 517425, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Zerbato V, Di Bella S, Pol R, D’Aleo F, Angheben A, Farina C, Conte M, Luzzaro F, Luzzati R, Principe L. Endemic Systemic Mycoses in Italy: A Systematic Review of Literature and a Practical Update. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:307-334. [PMID: 37294504 PMCID: PMC10386973 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00735-z] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endemic systemic mycoses such as blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis are emerging as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We conducted a systematic review on endemic systemic mycoses reported in Italy from 1914 to nowadays. We found out: 105 cases of histoplasmosis, 15 of paracoccidioidomycosis, 10 of coccidioidomycosis, 10 of blastomycosis and 3 of talaromycosis. Most cases have been reported in returning travelers and expatriates or immigrants. Thirtytwo patients did not have a story of traveling to an endemic area. Fortysix subjects had HIV/AIDS. Immunosuppression was the major risk factor for getting these infections and for severe outcomes. We provided an overview on microbiological characteristics and clinical management principles of systemic endemic mycoses with a focus on the cases reported in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Zerbato
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pol
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Aleo
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli”, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST “Papa Giovanni XXIII”, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Conte
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli”, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzzaro
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, “A. Manzoni” Hospital, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, “S. Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy
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8
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Ibe C, Mnyambwa NP, Mfinanga SG. Emergomycosis in Africa: Time to Pay Attention to This Emerging Deadly Fungal Infection. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2313-2322. [PMID: 37309324 PMCID: PMC10257923 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s403797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergomycosis is an emerging deadly infectious disease caused primarily by a little-known airborne pathogen Emergomyces africanus, which can cause clinical management challenge especially in patients with advanced HIV disease. This minireview describes Es. africanus as the main cause of emergomycosis in Africa as well as considers contributing factors to the difficulties encountered in managing this infection. Emergomycosis is common in HIV-positive persons with low CD4 lymphocyte count and has an estimated fatality of 50%. The infection exhibits airborne transmission with pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations leading to skin lesions. However, the pathogenesis of Es. africanus is still poorly understood. The management of the infection is complicated due to lack of defined diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. Limited expertise, poor research funding, and lack of awareness and national surveillance are thought to impact the recognition and prioritisation of the infection. These factors may ultimately assign emergomycosis a 'neglected infection status' even as it is suspected to be prevalent in more African countries than previously recognised. Increased awareness and integrated and targeted strategies such as mobilising manpower in clinical mycology are of paramount importance in managing emergomycosis in Africa and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuike Ibe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
| | - Nicholaus P Mnyambwa
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Alliance for Africa Health and Research (A4A), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sayoki G Mfinanga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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9
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Of Mycelium and Men: Inherent Human Susceptibility to Fungal Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030456. [PMID: 36986378 PMCID: PMC10058615 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In medical mycology, the main context of disease is iatrogenic-based disease. However, historically, and occasionally, even today, fungal diseases affect humans with no obvious risk factors, sometimes in a spectacular fashion. The field of “inborn errors of immunity” (IEI) has deduced at least some of these previously enigmatic cases; accordingly, the discovery of single-gene disorders with penetrant clinical effects and their immunologic dissection have provided a framework with which to understand some of the key pathways mediating human susceptibility to mycoses. By extension, they have also enabled the identification of naturally occurring auto-antibodies to cytokines that phenocopy such susceptibility. This review provides a comprehensive update of IEI and autoantibodies that inherently predispose humans to various fungal diseases.
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Pierce J, Sayeed S, Doern CD, Bryson AL. Emergomyces pasteurianus in Man Returning to the United States from Liberia and Review of the Literature. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:635-639. [PMID: 36823688 PMCID: PMC9973675 DOI: 10.3201/eid2903.221683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old man with HIV sought treatment for fever, weight loss, and productive cough after returning to the United States from Liberia. Fungal cultures grew Emergomyces pasteurianus, and the patient's health improved after beginning voriconazole. We describe the clinical case and review the literature, treatment, and susceptibilities for E. pasteurianus.
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11
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Dangarembizi R, Wasserman S, Hoving JC. Emerging and re-emerging fungal threats in Africa. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12953. [PMID: 36175380 PMCID: PMC9892204 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of deadly fungal infections in Africa is primarily driven by a disproportionately high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, lack of access to quality health care, and the unavailability of effective antifungal drugs. Immunocompromised people in Africa are therefore at high risk of infection from opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii, which are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and related socioeconomic impacts. Other emerging fungal threats include Emergomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces spp., and healthcare-associated multi-drug resistant Candida auris. Socioeconomic development and the Covid-19 pandemic may influence shifts in epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases on the continent. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current management strategies available for these emerging fungal diseases in Africa. We also discuss gaps in knowledge, policy, and research to inform future efforts at managing these fungal threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Dangarembizi
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa,CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Contact information of corresponding author Dr Rachael Dangarembizi, Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,
| | - Sean Wasserman
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Claire Hoving
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Kidd SE, Abdolrasouli A, Hagen F. Fungal Nomenclature: Managing Change is the Name of the Game. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofac559. [PMID: 36632423 PMCID: PMC9825814 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal species have undergone and continue to undergo significant nomenclatural change, primarily due to the abandonment of dual species nomenclature in 2013 and the widespread application of molecular technologies in taxonomy allowing correction of past classification errors. These have effected numerous name changes concerning medically important species, but by far the group causing most concern are the Candida yeasts. Among common species, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida lusitaniae, and Candida rugosa have been changed to Pichia kudriavzevii, Nakaseomyces glabrata, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Clavispora lusitaniae, and Diutina rugosa, respectively. There are currently no guidelines for microbiology laboratories on implementing changes, and there is ongoing concern that clinicians will dismiss or misinterpret laboratory reports using unfamiliar species names. Here, we have outlined the rationale for name changes across the major groups of clinically important fungi and have provided practical recommendations for managing change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Kidd
- Correspondence: Sarah E. Kidd, BMedSc(Hons), PhD , National Mycology Reference Centre, SA Pathology, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia ()
| | - Alireza Abdolrasouli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Madani WMH, Grayson W. A presumptive case of cutaneous emergomycosis in a female patient with HIV - Maseru, Lesotho. S Afr J Infect Dis 2022; 37:415. [PMID: 36338194 PMCID: PMC9634954 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.415] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergomycosis is a recently described emerging opportunistic fungal infection among individuals living with HIV, in whom it is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity. This article retrospectively reports on a presumptive case of extensive cutaneous emergomycosis in a young immunocompromised patient from Lesotho. The histopathological features on skin biopsy were in keeping with emergomyces infection. The lesions responded to treatment with amphotericin B and oral fluconazole. Contribution This case contributes to the existing evidence that as an emergent opportunistic infection, emergomycosis is possibly widespread in Africa but the true extend of the disease is not fully defined. This is further aggravated by the diagnostic difficulty as a result of limited resources in some areas in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waheeba M H Madani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Maseru, Lesotho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ministry of Health, Mafeteng, South Africa
| | - Wayne Grayson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Histopathology, Ampath Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mapengo RE, Maphanga TG, Grayson W, Govender NP. Endemic mycoses in South Africa, 2010–2020: A decade-long description of laboratory-diagnosed cases and prospects for the future. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010737. [PMID: 36170322 PMCID: PMC9518919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emergomycosis, histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis and blastomycosis are endemic to southern Africa; the first two are AIDS-related mycoses. We described laboratory-diagnosed cases of endemic and imported mycoses in South Africa over a decade and discuss available diagnostic tools, reasons for the current under-estimation of cases and future strategies to improve case ascertainment. Materials and methods We analysed electronic pathology laboratory data from all public laboratories and one large private laboratory in South Africa from 2010–2020. Diagnostic specimens processed at the national mycology reference laboratory were also included. We classified cases as proven, probable and possible based on the method of identification. Results We identified 682 cases, of which 307 were proven, 279 were probable and 96 were possible. Of 307 culture-confirmed cases, 168 were identified by phenotypic methods plus sequencing, 128 by phenotypic methods alone and 11 by direct PCR. Of 279 probable cases, 176 had yeasts observed on histology, 100 had a positive Histoplasma antigen test and 3 a positive pan-dimorphic PCR test. All 96 possible cases had compatible clinical syndrome with inflammatory infiltrates on skin tissue histology. A majority of cases had an unspecified endemic mycosis (207/682, 30.4%), followed by sporotrichosis (170/682, 24.9%), emergomycosis (154/682, 22.6%), histoplasmosis (133/682, 19.5%), blastomycosis (14/682, 2.1%) and talaromycosis (4/682, 0.6%). Conclusions This study reports a relatively low number of cases over a decade considering an estimated large population at risk, suggesting that a substantial fraction of cases may remain undiagnosed. There is a need to increase awareness among healthcare workers and to develop rapid point-of-care diagnostic tools and make these widely accessible. Emergomycosis, histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis and blastomycosis are serious fungal diseases which occur in southern Africa among people with either healthy or weakened immune systems. These fungal diseases may be missed because they mimic other diseases, occur together with other conditions that mask their presence or are simply not considered by healthcare workers. There are very few available simple diagnostic tests and most African countries do not conduct fungal disease surveillance. We described cases of these fungal diseases, which had been diagnosed in South African laboratories, from 2010–2020. We identified 682 cases, of which 307 were proven, 279 were probable and 96 were possible based on the available clinical and laboratory information. A majority of cases could not be allocated to one of the four disease types and were classified as unspecific endemic mycoses (30.4%). The remainder were sporotrichosis (24.9%), emergomycosis (22.3%), histoplasmosis (19.5%), blastomycosis (2.1%) and a travel-associated infection, talaromycosis (0.6%). We found relatively few cases considering the large population at risk. We believe that this could be due to the above-mentioned issues and insufficient expertise in diagnostic laboratories. There is a need to increase awareness among healthcare workers and to develop rapid point-of-care diagnostic tools and make these widely accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutendo E. Mapengo
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections. Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Tsidiso G. Maphanga
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections. Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wayne Grayson
- Ampath National Reference Laboratory, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections. Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunity and Infection, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Azimova D, Herrera N, Duvenage L, Voorhies M, Rodriguez RA, English BC, Hoving JC, Rosenberg O, Sil A. Cbp1, a fungal virulence factor under positive selection, forms an effector complex that drives macrophage lysis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010417. [PMID: 35731824 PMCID: PMC9255746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens secrete effectors to manipulate their host cells. Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) is a fungal intracellular pathogen of humans that grows in a yeast form in the host. Hc yeasts are phagocytosed by macrophages, where fungal intracellular replication precedes macrophage lysis. The most abundant virulence factor secreted by Hc yeast cells is Calcium Binding Protein 1 (Cbp1), which is absolutely required for macrophage lysis. Here we take an evolutionary, structural, and cell biological approach to understand Cbp1 function. We find that Cbp1 is present only in the genomes of closely related dimorphic fungal species of the Ajellomycetaceae family that lead primarily intracellular lifestyles in their mammalian hosts (Histoplasma, Paracoccidioides, and Emergomyces), but not conserved in the extracellular fungal pathogen Blastomyces dermatitidis. We observe a high rate of fixation of non-synonymous substitutions in the Cbp1 coding sequences, indicating that Cbp1 is under positive selection. We determine the de novo structures of Hc H88 Cbp1 and the Paracoccidioides americana (Pb03) Cbp1, revealing a novel "binocular" fold consisting of a helical dimer arrangement wherein two helices from each monomer contribute to a four-helix bundle. In contrast to Pb03 Cbp1, we show that Emergomyces Cbp1 orthologs are unable to stimulate macrophage lysis when expressed in the Hc cbp1 mutant. Consistent with this result, we find that wild-type Emergomyces africanus yeast are able to grow within primary macrophages but are incapable of lysing them. Finally, we use subcellular fractionation of infected macrophages and indirect immunofluorescence to show that Cbp1 localizes to the macrophage cytosol during Hc infection, making this the first instance of a phagosomal human fungal pathogen directing an effector into the cytosol of the host cell. We additionally show that Cbp1 forms a complex with Yps-3, another known Hc virulence factor that accesses the cytosol. Taken together, these data imply that Cbp1 is a fungal virulence factor under positive selection that localizes to the cytosol to trigger host cell lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinara Azimova
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Nadia Herrera
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lucian Duvenage
- AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Voorhies
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Rosa A. Rodriguez
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Bevin C. English
- University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer C. Hoving
- AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Oren Rosenberg
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Anita Sil
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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16
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Abstract
AbstractThe order Onygenales is classified in the class Eurotiomycetes of the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Families in this order have classically been isolated from soil and dung, and two lineages contain causative agents of superficial, cutaneous and systemic infections in mammals. The ecology and habitat choices of the species are driven mainly by the keratin and cellulose degradation abilities. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ecological trends of the members of Onygenales can be interpreted in an evolutionary sense, linking phylogenetic parameters with habitat preferences, to achieve polyphasic definitions of the main taxonomic groups. Evolutionary processes were estimated by multiple gene genealogies and divergence time analysis. Previously described families, namely, Arthrodermataceae, Ajellomycetaceae, Ascosphaeraceae, Eremascaceae, Gymnoascaceae, Onygenaceae and Spiromastigoidaceae, were accepted in Onygenales, and two new families, Malbrancheaceae and Neogymnomycetaceae, were introduced. A number of species could not be assigned to any of the defined families. Our study provides a revised overview of the main lines of taxonomy of Onygenales, supported by multilocus analyses of ITS, LSU, TUB, TEF1, TEF3, RPB1, RPB2, and ribosomal protein 60S L10 (L1) (RP60S) sequences, combined with available data on ecology, physiology, morphology, and genomics.
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17
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PM10 and Other Climatic Variables Are Important Predictors of Seasonal Variability of Coccidioidomycosis in Arizona. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0148321. [PMID: 35319247 PMCID: PMC9045372 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01483-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a disease caused by the fungal pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii that are endemic to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and South America. Throughout the range where the pathogens are endemic, there are seasonal patterns of infection rates that are associated with certain climatic variables. Previous studies that looked at annual and monthly relationships of coccidioidomycosis and climate suggest that infection numbers are linked with precipitation and temperature fluctuations; however, these analytic methods may miss important nonlinear, nonmonotonic seasonal relationships between the response (Valley fever cases) and explanatory variables (climate) influencing disease outbreaks. To improve our current knowledge and to retest relationships, we used case data from three counties of high endemicity in southern Arizona paired with climate data to construct a generalized additive statistical model that explores which meteorological parameters are most useful in predicting Valley fever incidence throughout the year. We then use our model to forecast the pattern of Valley fever cases by month. Our model shows that maximum monthly temperature, average PM10, and total precipitation 1 month prior to reported cases (lagged model) were all significant in predicting Valley fever cases. Our model fits Valley fever case data in the region of endemicity of southern Arizona and captures the seasonal relationships that predict when the public is at higher risk of being infected. This study builds on and retests relationships described by previous studies regarding climate variables that are important for predicting risk of infection and understanding this fungal pathogen. IMPORTANCE The inhalation of environmental infectious propagules from the fungal pathogens Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii by susceptible mammals can result in coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Arizona is known to be a region where the pathogen is hyperendemic, and reported cases are increasing throughout the western United States. Coccidioides spp. are naturally occurring fungi in arid soils. Little is known about ecological factors that influence the growth of these fungi, and a higher environmental burden may result in increases in human exposure and therefore case rates. By examining case and climate data from Arizona and using generalized additive statistical models, we were able to examine the relationship between disease outbreaks and climatic variables and predict seasonal time points of increased infection risk.
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Mah J, Bakker A, Tseng C, Lafay-Cousin L, Kuhn S, Brundler MA, Lisboa LF. Isolated Pulmonary Emergomycosis in an Immunocompetent Patient in Alberta, Canada. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac021. [PMID: 35174253 PMCID: PMC8843081 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac021] [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: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergomyces canadensis pulmonary infection was incidentally diagnosed in an asymptomatic patient suspected to have metastatic osteosarcoma. Molecular diagnosis was imperative to fungal identification given overlapping histopathological features with histoplasmosis. This report documents a case of isolated pulmonary emergomycosis in an otherwise immunocompetent patient while discussing diagnostic and management pitfalls of this emerging and underdiagnosed infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Mah
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea Bakker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Calvin Tseng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lucie Lafay-Cousin
- Section of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan Kuhn
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Anne Brundler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luiz F Lisboa
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Tharappel AM, Li Z, Li H. Inteins as Drug Targets and Therapeutic Tools. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:821146. [PMID: 35211511 PMCID: PMC8861304 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.821146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant pathogens are of significant concern in recent years. Hence new antifungal and anti-bacterial drug targets are urgently needed before the situation goes beyond control. Inteins are polypeptides that self-splice from exteins without the need for cofactors or external energy, resulting in joining of extein fragments. Inteins are present in many organisms, including human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Because intein elements are not present in human genes, they are attractive drug targets to develop antifungals and antibiotics. Thus far, a few inhibitors of intein splicing have been reported. Metal-ions such as Zn2+ and Cu2+, and platinum-containing compound cisplatin inhibit intein splicing in M. tuberculosis and C. neoformans by binding to the active site cysteines. A small-molecule inhibitor 6G-318S and its derivative 6G-319S are found to inhibit intein splicing in C. neoformans and C. gattii with a MIC in nanomolar concentrations. Inteins have also been used in many other applications. Intein can be used in activating a protein inside a cell using small molecules. Moreover, split intein can be used to deliver large genes in experimental gene therapy and to kill selected species in a mixed population of microbes by taking advantage of the toxin-antitoxin system. Furthermore, split inteins are used in synthesizing cyclic peptides and in developing cell culture model to study infectious viruses including SARS-CoV-2 in the biosafety level (BSL) 2 facility. This mini-review discusses the recent research developments of inteins in drug discovery and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Hongmin Li,
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20
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Wiederhold NP. Emerging Fungal Infections: New Species, New Names, and Antifungal Resistance. Clin Chem 2021; 68:83-90. [PMID: 34969112 PMCID: PMC9383166 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Infections caused by fungi can be important causes of morbidity and mortality in certain patient populations, including those who are highly immunocompromised or critically ill. Invasive mycoses can be caused by well-known species, as well as emerging pathogens, including those that are resistant to clinically available antifungals. Content This review highlights emerging fungal infections, including newly described species, such as Candida auris, and those that having undergone taxonomic classification and were previously known by other names, including Blastomyces and Emergomyces species, members of the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Trichophyton indotinae. Antifungal resistance also is highlighted in several of these emerging species, as well as in the well-known opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Finally, the increased recognition and importance of fungal co-infections with respiratory pathogens, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is discussed. Summary Both clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories should remain vigilant regarding emerging fungal infections. These may be difficult both to diagnose and treat due to the lack of experience of clinicians and laboratory personnel with these organisms and the infections they may cause. Many of these fungal infections have been associated with poor clinical outcomes, either due to inappropriate therapy or the development of antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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21
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The Brief Case: "Great Pretender"-Disseminated Blastomycosis in Western North Carolina. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0304920. [PMID: 34792387 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03049-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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22
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Schwartz IS, Muñoz JF, Kenyon CR, Govender NP, McTaggart L, Maphanga TG, Richardson S, Becker P, Cuomo CA, McEwen JG, Sigler L. Blastomycosis in Africa and the Middle East: A Comprehensive Review of Reported Cases and Reanalysis of Historical Isolates Based on Molecular Data. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1560-e1569. [PMID: 32766820 PMCID: PMC8492124 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blastomycosis has been reported from countries in Africa and the Middle East, but a decades-long debate has persisted regarding whether this is the same disease known in North America and caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis and Blastomyces gilchristii. METHODS We reviewed published cases of human and veterinary blastomycosis from Africa and the Middle East. We abstracted epidemiological and clinical features of cases, including sites of disease, diagnosis, management, outcomes, and, where available, genetic and antigenic typing of case isolates. In addition, we sequenced nucleic acids from 9 clinical isolates from Africa deposited in global collections as B. dermatitidis; for 5, we sequenced the internal transcribed spacer regions, and for the other 4 we sequenced the whole genomes. RESULTS We identified 172 unique human patients with blastomycosis, including 159 patients from 25 African countries and 12 patients from 5 Middle Eastern countries, and also identified 7 reports of veterinary blastomycosis. In humans, cutaneous disease predominated (n = 100/137, 73%), followed by pulmonary (n = 73/129, 57%) and osteoarticular involvement (n = 61/128, 48%). Unusual direct microscopy/histopathological presentations included short hyphal fragments in tissues (n = 23/129, 18%). There were 34 genotyped case isolates that comprised 4 species: Blastomyces percursus (n = 22, 65%), from 8 countries throughout all regions; Blastomyces emzantsi (n = 9, 26%), from South Africa; B. dermatitidis (n = 1, 3%), from the Democratic Republic of Congo; and B. gilchristii (n = 2, 6%), from South Africa and Zimbabwe. CONCLUSIONS Blastomycosis occurs throughout Africa and the Middle East and is caused predominantly by B. percursus and, at least in South Africa, B. emzantsi, resulting in distinct clinical and pathological patterns of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan S Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jose F Muñoz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chris R Kenyon
- Clinical Sciences Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Tsidiso G Maphanga
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Susan Richardson
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pierre Becker
- Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM/IHEM) Fungal Collection, Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Juan G McEwen
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lynne Sigler
- Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- UAMH Centre for Global Microfungal Diversity, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Bongomin F, Adetona Fayemiwo S. Epidemiology of fungal diseases in Africa: A review of diagnostic drivers. Curr Med Mycol 2021; 7:63-70. [PMID: 34553101 PMCID: PMC8443876 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.1.6246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: There has been a significant increase in the burden of fungal diseases in the last few decades which has imposed a global threat to the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Epidemiology of fungal diseases is not completely understood in Africa. Most of these diseases are under-reported or not reported at all mainly due to the challenges related
to the availability of and access to fungal diagnostics and the lack of human resources in clinical and diagnostic mycology across the continent.
Therefore, it is imperative to highlight the epidemiology of the endemic and epidemic of emerging and re-emerging fungal diseases as well as their diagnostic challenges
in Africa based on the available data. Moreover, it is important to underline the existing gaps in this regard as well. Materials and Methods: For the purposes of the study, Medline and Google Scholar were searched to retrieve articles on these prominent fungal diseases, as well as their etiologies and available diagnostics. Results: It was found that histoplasmosis and other AIDS-associated mycoses have been reported in Africa, including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis,
and paracocci-dioidomycosis. Other reported infections were fungal neglected tropical diseases, especially sporotrichosis, dermatophytosis, mycetoma,
and chromoblastomycosis as well as emerging fungal diseases, such as Emergomyces africanus, Candida auris, and Blastomyces emzantsi. In Africa, the major drivers
of fungal diseases include human immunodeficiency infection, tuberculosis, and poverty. Conclusion: Serious fungal diseases are common in Africa; however, the true burden remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Samuel Adetona Fayemiwo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, University Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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24
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Rodríguez-Andrade E, Cano-Lira JF, Wiederhold N, Pérez-Cantero A, Guarro J, Stchigel AM. A revision of malbranchea-like fungi from clinical specimens in the United States of America reveals unexpected novelty. IMA Fungus 2021; 12:25. [PMID: 34493345 PMCID: PMC8422767 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-021-00075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungi of the order Onygenales can cause important human infections; however, their taxonomy and worldwide occurrence is still little known. We have studied and identified a representative number of clinical fungi belonging to that order from a reference laboratory in the USA. A total of 22 strains isolated from respiratory tract (40%) and human skin and nails (27.2%) showed a malbranchea-like morphology. Six genera were phenotypically and molecularly identified, i.e. Auxarthron/Malbranchea (68.2%), Arachnomyces (9.1%), Spiromastigoides (9.1%), and Currahmyces (4.5%), and two newly proposed genera (4.5% each). Based on the results of the phylogenetic study, we synonymized Auxarthron with Malbranchea, and erected two new genera: Pseudoarthropsis and Pseudomalbranchea. New species proposed are: Arachnomyces bostrychodes, A. graciliformis, Currahmyces sparsispora, Malbranchea gymnoascoides, M. multiseptata, M. stricta, Pseudoarthropsis crassispora, Pseudomalbranchea gemmata, and Spiromastigoides geomycoides, along with a new combination for Malbranchea gypsea. The echinocandins showed the highest in vitro antifungal activity against the studied isolates, followed by terbinafine and posaconazole; in contrast, amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and 5-fluorocytosine were less active or lacked in vitro activity against these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rodríguez-Andrade
- Mycology Unit, Medical School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - José F Cano-Lira
- Mycology Unit, Medical School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Nathan Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Alba Pérez-Cantero
- Mycology Unit, Medical School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Josep Guarro
- Mycology Unit, Medical School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alberto M Stchigel
- Mycology Unit, Medical School, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Tarragona, Spain
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25
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de Perio MA, Benedict K, Williams SL, Niemeier-Walsh C, Green BJ, Coffey C, Di Giuseppe M, Toda M, Park JH, Bailey RL, Nett RJ. Occupational Histoplasmosis: Epidemiology and Prevention Measures. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070510. [PMID: 34206791 PMCID: PMC8306883 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070510] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas where Histoplasma is endemic in the environment, occupations involving activities exposing workers to soil that contains bird or bat droppings may pose a risk for histoplasmosis. Occupational exposures are frequently implicated in histoplasmosis outbreaks. In this paper, we review the literature on occupationally acquired histoplasmosis. We describe the epidemiology, occupational risk factors, and prevention measures according to the hierarchy of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A. de Perio
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(513)-841-4116
| | - Kaitlin Benedict
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Samantha L. Williams
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Christine Niemeier-Walsh
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
| | - Brett J. Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Christopher Coffey
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (C.C.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Michelangelo Di Giuseppe
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (C.C.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Rachel L. Bailey
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Randall J. Nett
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
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Vitale RG, Giudicessi SL, Romero SM, Al-Hatmi AMS, Li Q, de Hoog GS. Recent developments in less known and multi-resistant fungal opportunists. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:762-780. [PMID: 34096817 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1927978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections have increased in recent years due to host factors, such as oncohaematological and transplant-related disorders, immunosuppressive therapy, and AIDS. Additionally, molecular and proteomic facilities have become available to identify previously unrecognizable opportunists. For these reasons, reports on less-known and recalcitrant mycoses, such as those caused by black fungi, hyaline filamentous fungi, coelomycetes, Mucorales, and non-Candida yeasts have emerged. In this review, novel taxonomy in these groups, which often are multi-resistant to one or several classes of antifungals, is discussed. Clinical presentations, diagnosis and current treatment of some major groups are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana G Vitale
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Unidad de Parasitología, Sector Micología, Hospital J. M. Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvana L Giudicessi
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Biotecnología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Stella M Romero
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV), CONICET, FCEFyN, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Abdullah M S Al-Hatmi
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud, University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Natural & Medical Science Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Omán
| | - Qirui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, PR China
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud, University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, PR China.,Department of Medical Microbiology, People's Hospital of Suzhou, National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Suzhou, PR China
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Gunasinghe N, Barbetti MJ, You MP, Dehigaspitiya P, Neate S. Dimorphism in Neopseudocercosporella capsellae, an Emerging Pathogen Causing White Leaf Spot Disease of Brassicas. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:678231. [PMID: 34150676 PMCID: PMC8212886 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.678231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
White leaf spot pathogen: Neopseudocercosporella capsellae causes significant damage to many economically important Brassicaceae crops, including oilseed rape through foliar, stem, and pod lesions under cool and wet conditions. A lack of information on critical aspects of the pathogen's life cycle limits the development of effective control measures. The presence of single-celled spores along with multi-celled conidia on cotyledons inoculated with multi-celled conidia suggested that the multi-celled conidia were able to form single-celled spores on the host surface. This study was designed to demonstrate N. capsellae morphological plasticity, which allows the shift between a yeast-like single-celled phase and the multi-celled hyphal phase. Separate experiments were designed to illustrate the pathogen's morphological transformation to single-celled yeast phase from multi-celled hyphae or multi-celled macroconidia in-vitro and in-planta. Results confirmed the ability of N. capsellae to switch between two morphologies (septate hyphae and single-celled yeast phase) on a range of artificial culture media (in-vitro) or in-planta on the host surface before infection occurs. The hyphae-to-yeast transformation occurred through the production of two morphologically distinguishable blastospore (blastoconidia) types (meso-blastospores and micro-blastospores), and arthrospores (arthroconidia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Niroshini Gunasinghe
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, Research and Innovation Division, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Martin J Barbetti
- School of Agriculture and Environment and the Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Ming Pei You
- School of Agriculture and Environment and the Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Prabuddha Dehigaspitiya
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, Research and Innovation Division, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen Neate
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
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Abstract
Complex processes mediate immunity to fungal infections. Responses vary depending on the organism, morphogenic state, and infection site. Innate immune effectors such as epithelia, phagocytes, and soluble molecules detect pathogens, kill fungi, release cytokines, and prime the adaptive response. Adaptive responses to mucocutaneous or invasive disease are markedly different but intersect at certain pathways (molecules required for IL-23 and IL-12 signaling). Many of these pathways have been elucidated from the study of inborn errors of immunity. This review explores the general aspects of antifungal immunity and delves into the mechanisms that mediate protection from frequently encountered fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A Fernández-García
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15, Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, 14080 Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jennifer M Cuellar-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 10 Center Drive, Building 10CRC 3-3264, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Various uncommon fungal pathogens have been increasingly identified as causes of disseminated and invasive fungal disease (IFD) worldwide. Growing recognition and clinical knowledge of these emerging fungal pathogens has occurred through improved molecular diagnostics, nucleic sequence databases, and taxonomic reclassification of medically significant fungi. However, emerging fungal diseases carry significant morbidity and mortality and, due to a paucity of published literature, the collective clinical experience with these fungi is often limited. In this review, we focus on unusual emerging fungal pathogens not extensively covered elsewhere in this issue of Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America.
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Abstract
Blastomycosis is the fungal disease caused by thermally dimorphic fungi in the genus Blastomyces, with B dermatitidis complex causing most cases. It is considered hyperendemic in areas adjacent to the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence, Mississippi, and Ohio rivers, but definitive geographic distribution of blastomycoses remains obscure. Clinical presentation is variable. Disseminated blastomycosis with extrapulmonary manifestations is more common in immunosuppressed individuals. Culture positivity is required for definitive diagnosis, but compatible histology is often sufficient for presumptive diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Treatment should be provided to all symptomatic cases to prevent progression or recurrence.
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31
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Samaddar A, Sharma A. Emergomycosis, an Emerging Systemic Mycosis in Immunocompromised Patients: Current Trends and Future Prospects. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:670731. [PMID: 33968970 PMCID: PMC8104006 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.670731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the global emergence of emergomycosis, a systemic fungal infection caused by a novel dimorphic fungus Emergomyces species has been observed among immunocompromised individuals. Though initially classified under the genus Emmonsia, a taxonomic revision in 2017 based on DNA sequence analyses placed five Emmonsia-like fungi under a separate genus Emergomyces. These include Emergomyces pasteurianus, Emergomyces africanus, Emergomyces canadensis, Emergomyces orientalis, and Emergomyces europaeus. Emmonsia parva was renamed as Blastomyces parvus, while Emmonsia crescens and Emmonsia sola remained within the genus Emmonsia until a taxonomic revision in 2020 placed both the species under the genus Emergomyces. However, unlike other members of the genus, Emergomyces crescens and Emergomyces sola do not cause disseminated disease. The former causes adiaspiromycosis, a granulomatous pulmonary disease, while the latter has not been associated with human disease. So far, emergomycosis has been mapped across four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. However, considering the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, it is presumed that the disease must have a worldwide distribution with many cases going undetected. Diagnosis of emergomycosis remains challenging. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of histoplasmosis as there is considerable clinical and histopathological overlap between the two entities. Sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA is considered as the gold standard for identification, but its application is compromised in resource limited settings. Serological tests are non-specific and demonstrate cross-reactivity with Histoplasma galactomannan antigen. Therefore, an affordable, accessible, and reliable diagnostic test is the need of the hour to enable its diagnosis in endemic regions and also for epidemiological surveillance. Currently, there are no consensus guidelines for the treatment of emergomycosis. The recommended regimen consists of amphotericin B (deoxycholate or liposomal formulation) for 1–2 weeks, followed by oral itraconazole for at least 12 months. This review elaborates the taxonomic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of emergomycosis. It also enumerates several novel antifungal drugs which might hold promise in the treatment of this condition and therefore, can be potential areas of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghadip Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Anuradha Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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Gnat S, Łagowski D, Nowakiewicz A, Dyląg M. A global view on fungal infections in humans and animals: infections caused by dimorphic fungi and dermatophytoses. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:2688-2704. [PMID: 33754409 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are still underappreciated and their prevalence is underestimated, which renders them a serious public health problem. Realistic discussions about their distribution, symptoms, and control can improve management and diagnosis and contribute to refinement of preventive actions using currently available tools. This article represents an overview of dermatophytes and endemic fungi that cause infections in humans and animals. In addition, the impact of climate change on the fungal spread is discussed. The endemic fungal infections characterized in this article include coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, lobomycosis, emergomycosis and sporotrichosis. Moreover the geographic distribution of these fungi, which are known to be climate sensitive and/or limited to endemic tropical and subtropical areas, is highlighted. In turn, dermatophytes cause superficial fungal infections of skin, hairs and nails, which are the most prevalent mycoses worldwide with a high economic burden. Therefore, the possibility of causing zoonoses and reverse zoonoses by dermatophytes is highly important. In conclusion, the article illustrates the current issues of the epidemiology and distribution of fungal diseases, emphasizing the lack of public programmes for prevention and control of these types of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gnat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Institute of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - D Łagowski
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Institute of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - A Nowakiewicz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Institute of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - M Dyląg
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Mycology and Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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33
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Fritsche TR, Anderson JL, Bassi D, Hall MC, Boyle TR, Meece JK. Direct Tissue PCR and Genotyping for Species Identification in a Case of Laryngeal Blastomycosis. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2021; 102:NP157-NP160. [PMID: 33683980 DOI: 10.1177/0145561321991342] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Otolaryngologic manifestations of infection with Blastomyces species are extremely rare and restricted geographically to recognized endemic regions. Here, we describe a case of laryngeal blastomycosis that presented as slowly progressive dysphonia. While a preliminary diagnosis was made using routine histopathology, a species identification of Blastomyces dermatitidis was made using polymerase chain reaction amplification and rapid genotyping without the need for fungal culture. All symptoms resolved following 1 month of antifungal therapy. Rapid molecular differentiation of B dermatitidis from Blastomyces gilchristii provides important insights into pathogenesis given recent recognition of differences in clinical spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Fritsche
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer L Anderson
- Integrated Research and Development Laboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Deepa Bassi
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Matthew C Hall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Timothy R Boyle
- Department of Otolaryngology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer K Meece
- Integrated Research and Development Laboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, USA
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34
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Kaplan M, Zhu Y, Kus JV, McTaggart L, Chaturvedi V, Chaturvedi S. Development of a Duplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Differentiation of Blastomyces dermatitidis and Blastomyces gilchristii and a Retrospective Analysis of Culture and Primary Specimens from Blastomycosis Cases from New York (2005 to 2019). J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e02078-20. [PMID: 33298609 PMCID: PMC8106702 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02078-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastomycosis due to Blastomyces dermatitidis and Blastomyces gilchristii is a significant cause of respiratory mycoses in North America with occasional reported outbreaks. We developed a highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible TaqMan duplex real-time PCR assay for the differentiation of B. dermatitidis and B. gilchristii The new assay permitted retrospective analysis of Blastomyces cultures (2005 to 2019) and primary clinical specimens from blastomycosis cases (2013 to 2019) from New York patients. We identified B. dermatitidis as the predominant pathogen in 38 cases of blastomycosis, while B. gilchristii was a minor pathogen involved in five cases; these findings expand understanding of blastomycosis in New York. The duplex real-time PCR assay could be implemented in reference and public health laboratories to further understand the ecology and epidemiology of blastomycosis due to B. dermatitidis and B. gilchristii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Kaplan
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - YanChun Zhu
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Julianne V Kus
- Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa McTaggart
- Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vishnu Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sudha Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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35
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Analysis and modeling of Blastomyces dermatitidis environmental prevalence in Minnesota using soil collected to compare basal and outbreak levels. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.01922-20. [PMID: 33355116 PMCID: PMC8090874 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01922-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of blastomycosis, caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, occur in endemic areas of the United States and Canada but the geographic range of blastomycosis is expanding. Previous studies inferred the location of B. dermatitidis through epidemiologic data associated with outbreaks because culture of B. dermatitidis from the environment is often unsuccessful. In this study, we used a culture-independent, PCR-based method to identify B. dermatitidis DNA in environmental samples using the BAD1 promoter region. We tested 250 environmental samples collected in Minnesota, either associated with blastomycosis outbreaks or environmental samples collected from high- and low-endemic regions to determine basal prevalence of B. dermatitidis in the environment. We identified a fifth BAD1 promoter haplotype of B. dermatitidis prevalent in Minnesota. Ecological niche analysis identified latitude, longitude, elevation, and site classification as environmental parameters associated with the presence of B. dermatitidis Using this analysis, a Random Forest model predicted B. dermatitidis presence in basal environmental samples with 75% accuracy. These data support use of culture-independent, PCR-based environmental sampling to track spread into new regions and to characterize the unknown B. dermatitidis environmental niche.Importance Upon inhalation of spores from the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis from the environment, humans and animals can develop the disease blastomycosis. Based on disease epidemiology, B. dermatitidis is known to be endemic in the United States and Canada around the Great Lakes and in the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys but is starting to emerge in other areas. B. dermatitidis is extremely difficult to culture from the environment so little is known about the environmental reservoirs for this pathogen. We used a culture-independent PCR-based assay to identify the presence of B. dermatitidis DNA in soil samples from Minnesota. By combining molecular data with ecological niche modeling, we were able to predict the presence of B. dermatitidis in environmental samples with 75% accuracy and to define characteristics of the B. dermatitidis environmental niche. Importantly, we showed the effectiveness of using a PCR-based assay to identify B. dermatitidis in environmental samples.
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36
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Current and New Perspectives in the Diagnosis of Blastomycosis and Histoplasmosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010012. [PMID: 33383637 PMCID: PMC7823406 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis can be difficult for clinicians who rarely see infections caused by these environmentally restricted dimorphic fungi. Historically, the diagnosis of blastomycosis has been established by culture and sometimes by histopathologic identification. Currently, antigen detection in urine and serum has been shown to aid in the rapid diagnosis of blastomycosis, and newer antibody assays are likely to contribute to our diagnostic capability in the near future. The gold standard for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis has been culture of the organism from involved tissues, aided in some patients by histopathological verification of the typical yeast forms in tissues. Antigen detection has contributed greatly to the ability of clinicians to rapidly establish the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, especially in severely ill and immunocompromised patients, and antibody testing for Histoplasma capsulatum provides important adjunctive diagnostic capability for several forms of both acute and chronic histoplasmosis. For both of these endemic mycoses, novel molecular tests are under active investigation, but remain available in only a few reference laboratories. In this review, we provide a synopsis of diagnostic test options that aid in establishing whether a patient has blastomycosis or histoplasmosis.
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Mavengere H, Mattox K, Teixeira MM, Sepúlveda VE, Gomez OM, Hernandez O, McEwen J, Matute DR. Paracoccidioides Genomes Reflect High Levels of Species Divergence and Little Interspecific Gene Flow. mBio 2020; 11:e01999-20. [PMID: 33443110 PMCID: PMC8534288 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01999-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Paracoccidioides is a prevalent human pathogen endemic to South America. The genus is composed of five species. In this report, we use 37 whole-genome sequences to study the allocation of genetic variation in Paracoccidioides We tested three genome-wide predictions of advanced speciation, namely, that all species should be reciprocally monophyletic, that species pairs should be highly differentiated along the whole genome, and that there should be low rates of interspecific gene exchange. We find support for these three hypotheses. Species pairs with older divergences show no evidence of gene exchange, while more recently diverged species pairs show evidence of modest rates of introgression. Our results indicate that as divergence progresses, species boundaries become less porous among Paracoccidioides species. Our results suggest that species in Paracoccidioides are at different stages along the divergence continuum.IMPORTANCEParacoccidioides is the causal agent of a systemic mycosis in Latin America. Most of the inference of the evolutionary history of Paracoccidioides has used only a few molecular markers. In this report, we evaluate the extent of genome divergence among Paracoccidioides species and study the possibility of interspecific gene exchange. We find that all species are highly differentiated. We also find that the amount of gene flow between species is low and in some cases is even completely absent in spite of geographic overlap. Our study constitutes a systematic effort to identify species boundaries in fungal pathogens and to determine the extent of gene exchange among fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Mavengere
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathleen Mattox
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marcus M Teixeira
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Victoria E Sepúlveda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Oscar M Gomez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Orville Hernandez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- MICROBA Research Group, School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan McEwen
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Daniel R Matute
- Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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38
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Maphanga TG, Naicker SD, Gómez BL, Mhlanga M, Mpembe RS, Schwartz IS, Bamford C, Nel J, Govender NP. Cross-reactivity of a Histoplasma capsulatum antigen enzyme immunoassay in urine specimens from persons with emergomycosis in South Africa. Med Mycol 2020; 59:672-682. [PMID: 33330930 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasma antigen detection in urine is a rapid diagnostic method for disseminated histoplasmosis, although cross-reactivity has been reported in specimens from patients with other thermally dimorphic fungal infections. We tested urine specimens, from persons with suspected invasive fungal infections, using a commercial monoclonal antibody Histoplasma enzyme immunoassay (EIA) at a South African national mycology reference laboratory from August 2014 through December 2018. Corresponding fungal culture and histopathology results were obtained from an electronic laboratory information system. In some cases, cultured fungal isolates were sent with the urine specimen for species-level identification by phenotypic and molecular methods. Cross-reactivity was confirmed using culture filtrates of several fungal pathogens. Of 212 referred cases, 41 (19%) were excluded since they had no recorded clinical history (n = 1), alternative diagnoses were confirmed (n = 2), or no fungal culture or histopathology results (n = 38). Eighty-seven of 212 (41%) had laboratory evidence of an invasive fungal disease, while 84 (40%) did not. Of the 87 cases, 37 (43%) were culture-confirmed mycoses: emergomycosis (n = 18), histoplasmosis (n = 8), sporotrichosis (n = 6), cryptococcosis (n = 2), talaromycosis (n = 1), and other fungi isolated (n = 2). The sensitivity and specificity of the EIA were calculated for two groups: culture-confirmed (n = 37) and histology-confirmed invasive fungal disease (n = 50). The sensitivity and specificity of the EIA for diagnosis of histoplasmosis compared to culture were 88% (7/8, 95%CI 47-100%) and 72% (21/29, 95%CI 53-87%), respectively, and for diagnosis of emergomycosis/histoplasmosis compared to histology was 83% (29/35, 95%CI 66-93%) and 93% (14/15, 95%CI 68-100%), respectively. Cross-reactions occurred in urine specimens of patients with Emergomyces africanus infection and in culture filtrates of E. africanus, T. marneffei and Blastomyces species. A commercial Histoplasma EIA had satisfactory accuracy for diagnosis of culture-confirmed histoplasmosis, but cross-reacted in urine specimens from patients with invasive disease caused by the closely-related pathogen, E. africanus and in culture filtrates of E. africanus and other related fungi. LAY SUMMARY Emergomyces africanus and Histoplasma capsulatum are fungi that cause a multi-system disease among HIV-seropositive persons with a low CD4 cell count. Handling live cultures of these fungi to confirm a diagnosis requires specialized laboratory equipment and infrastructure which is infrequently accessible in low-resource settings. The features of the two diseases (i.e., disseminated histoplasmosis and emergomycosis) may be indistinguishable when infected tissue is prepared, stained, and examined under a microscope. Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) have been developed as rapid diagnostic tools for the detection of a cell wall component of H. capsulatum in urine specimens, although cross-reactions have been reported in specimens from patients with other fungal infections. We evaluated the accuracy of a commercial Histoplasma EIA to diagnose histoplasmosis and to assess cross-reactions in urine specimens from persons with emergomycosis and in cultures of E. africanus and related fungi. We report a sensitivity and specificity of 88% (95%CI 47-100%) and 72% (95%CI 53-87%) for diagnosis of histoplasmosis compared to culture and 83% (95%CI 66-93%) and 93% (95%CI 68-100%) for diagnosis of either histoplasmosis/emergomycosis compared to a diagnosis made by microscopic examination of infected tissue. The assay cross-reacted in urine specimens from patients with emergomycosis and in culture filtrates of related fungi. Although the EIA cross-reacted with other related fungi, this test can decrease the time to diagnosis and facilitate early treatment of emergomycosis and histoplasmosis in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsidiso G Maphanga
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Serisha D Naicker
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Beatriz L Gómez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Mabatho Mhlanga
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruth S Mpembe
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ilan S Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colleen Bamford
- National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremy Nel
- School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses), a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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39
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Anderson JL, Frost HM, Meece JK. Spontaneous resolution of blastomycosis symptoms caused by B. dermatitidis. Med Mycol Case Rep 2020; 30:43-45. [PMID: 33150126 PMCID: PMC7599114 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2020.10.003] [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: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the propensity of blastomycosis to disseminate or reoccur and the inability to predict which infections will experience severe manifestations, nearly all cases of blastomycosis are treated. Although, spontaneous resolution of symptoms is referred to generally in the literature, to our knowledge an individual case of this has not been previously reported. We report the spontaneous resolution of blastomycosis symptoms in a 40 year-old Caucasian male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Anderson
- Integrated Research and Development aLaboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Holly M. Frost
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Department of Pediatrics, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
- Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Office of Research, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Meece
- Integrated Research and Development aLaboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA
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40
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Abstract
During the last two decades, many onygenalean pathogens were discovered, redefined, or re-classified from existing taxa into clusters of micro-species, among which the original genotypes often appeared to be uncommon and exceptional. The impact of these developments on the diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases remains to be determined in most instances. This exciting collection of invited articles provides a full flavor of ongoing changes in the knowledge about taxonomy, genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and clinical spectra of human and animal pathogens classified in the order Onygenales. Recent developments have set the stage for an ambitious translational research agenda. Diagnostic mycology laboratories now need MALDI-TOF-MS spectra, PCR probes, and other specific tools to assist them in the rapid diagnosis of new species. Similarly, an educational set of type materials of new species needs to be readily available for enhanced expertise among the wider medical mycology community. As several new species were discovered retrospectively, it is crucial to expand the re-sampling to other fungal culture collections and archived paraffin tissues. Finally, clinical and laboratory investigations are needed to get an accurate assessment of the prevalence and impact of new pathogens as the cause of major fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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41
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Dukik K, de Hoog GS, Stielow JB, Freeke J, van den Ende BG, Vicente VA, Menken SBJ, Ahmed SA. Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Nannizzia (Arthrodermataceae). Mycopathologia 2020; 185:9-35. [PMID: 30976955 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00336-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Phylogenetic studies of the family Arthrodermataceae have revealed seven monophyletic dermatophyte clades representing the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Nannizzia, Lophophyton, Paraphyton, Microsporum, and Arthroderma. Members of the genus Nannizzia are geo- or zoophiles that occasionally infect humans. With the newly proposed taxonomy, the genus Nannizzia comprises thirteen species, i.e., Nannizzia aenigmatica, N. corniculata, N. duboisii, N. fulva, N. graeserae, N. gypsea, N. nana, N. incurvata, N. perplicata, N. persicolor, N. praecox, and two novel species. Nannizzia polymorpha sp. nov. was isolated from a skin lesion of a patient from French Guiana. For the strain originally described as Microsporum racemosum by Borelli in 1965, we proposed Nannizzia lorica nom. nov. The species are fully characterized with five sequenced loci (ITS, LSU, TUB2, RP 60S L1 and TEF3), combined with morphology of the asexual form and physiological features. A key to the species based on phenotypic and physiological characters is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Dukik
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - J Benjamin Stielow
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Landsmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Freeke
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Landsmeer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Vania A Vicente
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Steph B J Menken
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah A Ahmed
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.
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42
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Wu J, Qu C, Zhang S, Chen W, Wang S. The second N-terminal aromatic residue of the fungal defensin, blapersin, of Blastomyces percursus is essential for its antibacterial activity. Peptides 2020; 133:170400. [PMID: 32871207 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the second N-terminal residue of fungal defensins is closely involved in the binding of defensins to lipid II, a bacterial cell wall precursor, and plays an important role in antibacterial activity. We found that the N-terminal residue is always aromatic in nature. In this study, 29 fungal defensin-like peptides were found via the genomic search strategy. Based on the type of aromatic residue at the second N-terminal site, we mainly divided these peptides into Phe, Trp, and Tyr types. We selected and characterized a defensin, blapersin, derived from Blastomyces percursus as a molecular model to investigate the functional significance of the N-terminal site. The native blapersin killed a wide spectrum of gram-positive bacteria at low molecular concentrations. Its aromatic mutants, W2F and W2Y, displayed enhanced antimicrobial activity, especially against the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. The aromatic side chains containing Phe2 and Tyr2 seem to be more favorable for the antibacterial activity of blapersin those containing Trp2. However, the nonaromatic mutant W2A had almost no antibacterial activity. This indicates that the second N-terminal aromatic residue is essential for the antimicrobial action of blapersin. All these defensins have high stability and low toxicity. This is the first report on the enhancement of antibacterial activity by calibration of the N-terminal aromatic residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wu
- Food Biological Manufacturing Laboratory, China Meat Research Center, Beijing 100068, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Food Biological Manufacturing Laboratory, China Meat Research Center, Beijing 100068, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Shunliang Zhang
- Food Biological Manufacturing Laboratory, China Meat Research Center, Beijing 100068, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Wenhua Chen
- Food Biological Manufacturing Laboratory, China Meat Research Center, Beijing 100068, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Shouwei Wang
- Food Biological Manufacturing Laboratory, China Meat Research Center, Beijing 100068, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing 100068, China.
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43
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Dellière S, Rivero-Menendez O, Gautier C, Garcia-Hermoso D, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Alanio A. Emerging mould infections: Get prepared to meet unexpected fungi in your patient. Med Mycol 2020; 58:156-162. [PMID: 31111906 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases are increasing issues in modern medicine, where the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic and the wider use of immunosuppressive drugs generate an ever-growing number of immunocompromised patients with an increased susceptibility to uncommon fungal pathogens. In the past decade, new species have been reported as being responsible for disseminated and invasive fungal diseases in humans. Among them, the following genera are rare but seem emerging issues: Scopulariopsis, Hormographiella, Emergomyces, Westerdykella, Trametes, Actinomucor, Saksenaea, Apophysomyces, and Rhytidhysteron. Delay in diagnosis, which is often the case in these infections, jeopardizes patients' prognosis and leads to increased mortality. Here we summarize the clinical and biological presentation and the key features to identify these emerging pathogens and we discuss the available antifungal classes to treat them. We focused on Pubmed to recover extensively reported human invasive cases and articles regarding the nine previously cited fungal organisms. Information concerning patient background, macroscopic and microscopic description and pictures of these fungal organisms, histological features in tissues, findings with commonly used antigen tests in practice, and hints on potential efficient antifungal classes were gathered. This review's purpose is to help clinical microbiologists and physicians to suspect, identify, diagnose, and treat newly encountered fungi in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dellière
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Paris, France
| | - Olga Rivero-Menendez
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cécile Gautier
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Paris, France
| | - Dea Garcia-Hermoso
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Paris, France
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Paris, France.,Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals (NRCMA), Paris, France.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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44
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Chybowska AD, Childers DS, Farrer RA. Nine Things Genomics Can Tell Us About Candida auris. Front Genet 2020; 11:351. [PMID: 32351544 PMCID: PMC7174702 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a recently emerged multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen causing severe illness in hospitalized patients. C. auris is most closely related to a few environmental or rarely observed but cosmopolitan Candida species. However, C. auris is unique in the concern it is generating among public health agencies for its rapid emergence, difficulty to treat, and the likelihood for further and more extensive outbreaks and spread. To date, five geographically distributed and genetically divergent lineages have been identified, none of which includes isolates that were collected prior to 1996. Indeed, C. auris' ecological niche(s) and emergence remain enigmatic, although a number of hypotheses have been proposed. Recent genomic and transcriptomic work has also identified a variety of gene and chromosomal features that may have conferred C. auris with several important clinical phenotypes including its drug-resistance and growth at high temperatures. In this review we discuss nine major lines of enquiry into C. auris that big-data technologies and analytical approaches are beginning to answer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra D. Chybowska
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences, and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Rhys A. Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at The University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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45
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Rodrigues A, Beale M, Hagen F, Fisher M, Terra P, de Hoog S, Brilhante R, de Aguiar Cordeiro R, de Souza Collares Maia Castelo-Branco D, Rocha M, Sidrim J, de Camargo Z. The global epidemiology of emerging Histoplasma species in recent years. Stud Mycol 2020; 97:100095. [PMID: 33335607 PMCID: PMC7714791 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a serious infectious disease in humans caused by Histoplasma spp. (Onygenales), whose natural reservoirs are thought to be soil enriched with bird and bat guano. The true global burden of histoplasmosis is underestimated and frequently the pulmonary manifestations are misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. Molecular data on epidemiology of Histoplasma are still scarce, even though there is increasing recognition of histoplasmosis in recent years in areas distant from the traditional endemic regions in the Americas. We used multi-locus sequence data from protein coding loci (ADP-ribosylation factor, H antigen precursor, and delta-9 fatty acid desaturase), DNA barcoding (ITS1/2+5.8s), AFLP markers and mating type analysis to determine the genetic diversity, population structure and recognise the existence of different phylogenetic species among 436 isolates of Histoplasma obtained globally. Our study describes new phylogenetic species and the molecular characteristics of Histoplasma lineages causing outbreaks with a high number of severe outcomes in Northeast Brazil between 2011 and 2015. Genetic diversity levels provide evidence for recombination, common ancestry and clustering of Brazilian isolates at different geographic scales with the emergence of LAm C, a new genotype assigned to a separate population cluster in Northeast Brazil that exhibited low diversity indicative of isolation. The global survey revealed that the high genetic variability among Brazilian isolates along with the presence of divergent cryptic species and/or genotypes may support the hypothesis of Brazil being the center of dispersion of Histoplasma in South America, possibly with the contribution of migratory hosts such as birds and bats. Outside Brazil, the predominant species depends on the region. We confirm that histoplasmosis has significantly broadened its area of occurrence, an important feature of emerging pathogens. From a practical point of view, our data point to the emergence of histoplasmosis caused by a plethora of genotypes, and will enable epidemiological analysis focused on understanding the processes that lead to histoplasmosis. Further, the description of this diversity opens avenues for comparative genomic studies, which will allow progress toward a consensus taxonomy, improve understanding of the presence of hybrids in natural populations of medically relevant fungi, test reproductive barriers and to explore the significance of this variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.M. Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
- Correspondence: A.M. Rodrigues; Z.P. de Camargo
| | - M.A. Beale
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - F. Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - M.C. Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - P.P.D. Terra
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
| | - S. de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R.S.N. Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - R. de Aguiar Cordeiro
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - M.F.G. Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J.J.C. Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Z.P. de Camargo
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, Brazil
- Correspondence: A.M. Rodrigues; Z.P. de Camargo
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46
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Endemic Fungi in Transplant and Immunocompromised Hosts: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-020-00212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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47
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Human Blastomycosis in South Africa Caused by Blastomyces percursus and Blastomyces emzantsi sp. nov., 1967 to 2014. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01661-19. [PMID: 31896663 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01661-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We reevaluated 20 cases of blastomycosis diagnosed in South Africa between 1967 and 2014, with Blastomyces dermatitidis considered to be the etiological agent, in light of newly described species and the use of more advanced technologies. In addition to histopathological and/or culture-based methods, all 20 isolates were phenotypically and genotypically characterized, including multilocus typing of five genes and whole-genome sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed as outlined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute documents M27-A3 and M38-A2. We merged laboratory and corresponding clinical case data, where available. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of five-gene and whole-genome sequences revealed two groups, both of which were closely related to but distinct from B. dermatitidis, Blastomyces gilchristii, and Blastomyces parvus The first group (n = 12) corresponded to the recently described species Blastomyces percursus, and the other (n = 8) is described here as Blastomyces emzantsi sp. nov. Both species exhibited incomplete conversion to the yeast phase at 37°C and were heterothallic for mating types. All eight B. emzantsi isolates belonged to the α mating type. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed distinct species identities as well as the absence of a full orthologue of the BAD-1 gene. Extrapulmonary (skin or bone) disease, probably resulting from hematogenous spread from a primary lung infection, was more common than pulmonary disease alone. Voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and micafungin had the most potent in vitro activity. Over the 5 decades, South African cases of blastomycosis were caused by species that are distinct from B. dermatitidis Increasing clinical awareness and access to simple rapid diagnostics may improve the diagnosis of blastomycosis in resource-limited countries.
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48
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Anderson JL, Hall MC, Stratman EJ, Meece JK. Persistent and nonprogressive cutaneous blastomycosis in a pregnant adolescent. JAAD Case Rep 2020; 6:169-171. [PMID: 32083162 PMCID: PMC7019037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Anderson
- Integrated Research and Development Laboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew C Hall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Erik J Stratman
- Department of Dermatology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin
| | - Jennifer K Meece
- Integrated Research and Development Laboratory, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, Wisconsin
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49
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Schwartz IS, Wiederhold NP, Hanson KE, Patterson TF, Sigler L. Blastomyces helicus, a New Dimorphic Fungus Causing Fatal Pulmonary and Systemic Disease in Humans and Animals in Western Canada and the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:188-195. [PMID: 29878145 PMCID: PMC6321858 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blastomyces helicus (formerly Emmonsia helica) is a dimorphic fungus first isolated from a man with fungal encephalitis in Alberta, Canada. The geographic range, epidemiology, and clinical features of disease are unknown. Methods We reviewed human and veterinary isolates of B. helicus identified among Blastomyces and Emmonsia isolates at the University of Alberta Microfungus Collection and Herbarium, University of Texas Health San Antonio’s Fungus Testing Laboratory, and Associated Regional and University Pathologists Laboratories. Isolates were selected based on low Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA probe values and/or atypical morphology. Species identification was confirmed for most isolates by DNA sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer with or without D1/D2 ribosomal RNA regions. Epidemiological and clinical data were analyzed. Results We identified isolates from 10 human and 5 veterinary cases of B. helicus infection; all were referred from western regions of Canada and the United States. Isolates remained sterile in culture, producing neither conidia nor sexual spores in the mycelial phase, but often producing coiled hyphae. Isolates were most frequently cultured from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage in humans and lungs in animals. Most infected persons were immunocompromised. Histopathological findings included pleomorphic, small or variably sized yeast-like cells, with single or multiple budding, sometimes proliferating to form short, branching, hyphal-like elements. Disease carried a high case-fatality rate. Conclusions Blastomyces helicus causes fatal pulmonary and systemic disease in humans and companion animals. It differs from B. dermatitidis in morphological presentation in culture and in histopathology, by primarily affecting immunocompromised persons, and in a geographic range that includes western regions of North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan S Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,San Antonio Center for Medical Mycology
| | - Nathan P Wiederhold
- San Antonio Center for Medical Mycology.,Fungus Testing Laboratory, University of Texas Health San Antonio
| | - Kimberly E Hanson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine.,Clinical Microbiology Division, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Thomas F Patterson
- San Antonio Center for Medical Mycology.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio
| | - Lynne Sigler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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50
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Rooms I, Mugisha P, Gambichler T, Hadaschik E, Esser S, Rath PM, Haase G, Wilmes D, McCormick-Smith I, Rickerts V. Disseminated Emergomycosis in a Person with HIV Infection, Uganda. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:1750-1751. [PMID: 31441766 PMCID: PMC6711225 DOI: 10.3201/eid2509.181234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe emergomycosis in a patient in Uganda with HIV infection. We tested a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin biopsy to identify Emergomyces pasteurianus or a closely related pathogen by sequencing broad-range fungal PCR amplicons. Results suggest that emergomycosis is more widespread and genetically diverse than previously documented. PCR on tissue blocks may help clarify emergomycosis epidemiology.
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