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van de Sande WWJ, Fahal AH. An updated list of eumycetoma causative agents and their differences in grain formation and treatment response. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0003423. [PMID: 38690871 PMCID: PMC11237709 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00034-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn 2023, the World Health Organization designated eumycetoma causative agents as high-priority pathogens on its list of fungal priority pathogens. Despite this recognition, a comprehensive understanding of these causative agents is lacking, and potential variations in clinical manifestations or therapeutic responses remain unclear. In this review, 12,379 eumycetoma cases were reviewed. In total, 69 different fungal species were identified as causative agents. However, some were only identified once, and there was no supporting evidence that they were indeed present in the grain. Madurella mycetomatis was by far the most commonly reported fungal causative agent. In most studies, identification of the fungus at the species level was based on culture or histology, which was prone to misidentifications. The newly used molecular identification tools identified new causative agents. Clinically, no differences were reported in the appearance of the lesion, but variations in mycetoma grain formation and antifungal susceptibility were observed. Although attempts were made to explore the differences in clinical outcomes based on antifungal susceptibility, the lack of large clinical trials and the inclusion of surgery as standard treatment posed challenges in drawing definitive conclusions. Limited case series suggested that eumycetoma cases caused by Fusarium species were less responsive to treatment than those caused by Madurella mycetomatis. However, further research is imperative for a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy W. J. van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ahmed H. Fahal
- The Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
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2
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Konings M, Gerrits van den Ende B, Raats MWJ, Fahal AH, van de Sande WWJ, Hagen F. Complete Genome Sequence of the Itraconazole Decreased Susceptible Madurella fahalii Type-Strain CBS 129176. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:6. [PMID: 38231295 PMCID: PMC10794591 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00807-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Madurella fahalii is a causative agent of the implantation mycosis mycetoma with decreased susceptibility to itraconazole, the preferred therapeutic drug to combat mycetoma. Here, we report the M. fahalii type-strain CBS 129176 genome assembly and annotation to identify a glutamic acid insert near the azole-binding pocket in the Cyp51A protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey Konings
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mirthe W J Raats
- Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wendy W J van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystems Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Ma J, Konings M, Verbon A, van de Sande WWJ. A Falciformispora senegalensis grain model in Galleria mellonella larvae. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad070. [PMID: 37451815 PMCID: PMC10436144 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad070] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumycetoma is a subcutaneous implantation mycosis often found in the foot. One of the hallmarks of eumycetoma is the formation of grains. These grains are either black or white, and the consistency and morphology differs per causative agent. The two most common causative agents of black-grain eumycetoma are Madurella mycetomatis and Falciformispora senegalensis. Since grains cannot be formed in vitro, in vivo models are needed to study grain formation. Here, we used the invertebrate Galleria mellonella to establish an in vivo grain model for F. senegalensis. Three different F. senegalensis strains were selected, and four different inocula were used to infect G. mellonella larvae, ranging from 0.04 mg/larvae to 10 mg/larvae. Larval survival was monitored for 10 days. Grain formation was studied macroscopically and histologically. The efficacy of antifungal therapy was determined for itraconazole, amphotericin B, and terbinafine. A concentration of 10 mg F. senegalensis per larva was lethal for the majority of the larvae within 10 days. At this inoculum, grains were formed within 24 h after infection. The grains produced in the larvae resembled those formed in human patients. Amphotericin B given at 1 mg/kg 4 h, 28 h, and 52 h after infection prolonged larval survival. No enhanced survival was noted for itraconazole or terbinafine. In conclusion, we developed a F. senegalensis grain model in G. mellonella larvae in which grains were formed that were similar to those formed in patients. This model can be used to monitor grain formation over time and study antifungal efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mickey Konings
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy W J van de Sande
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Furnica DT, Dittmer S, Scharmann U, Meis JF, Steinmann J, Rath PM, Kirchhoff L. In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of the Imidazole Luliconazole against Lomentospora prolificans and Scedosporium spp. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0513022. [PMID: 37017567 PMCID: PMC10269907 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05130-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans have become a serious threat in clinical settings. The high mortality rates associated with these infections can be correlated with their multidrug resistance. The development of alternative treatment strategies has become crucial. Here, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo activity of luliconazole (LLCZ) against Scedosporium apiospermum (including its teleomorph Pseudallescheria boydii) and Lomentospora prolificans. The LLCZ MICs were determined for a total of 37 isolates (31 L. prolificans isolates, 6 Scedosporium apiospermum/P. boydii strains) according to EUCAST. Furthermore, the LLCZ antifungal activity was tested in vitro, using an XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide salt] growth kinetics assay and biofilm assays (crystal violet and XTT assay). In addition, a Galleria mellonella infection model was used for in vivo treatment assays. The MIC90 of LLCZ was determined to be 0.25 mg/L for all tested pathogens. Growth was inhibited within 6 to 48 h of the start of incubation. LLCZ inhibited biofilm formation in both preadhesion stages and late-stage adhesion. In vivo, a single dose of LLCZ increased the survival rate of the larvae by 40% and 20% for L. prolificans and Scedosporium spp., respectively. This is the first study demonstrating LLCZ activity against Lomentospora prolificans in vitro and in vivo and the first study showing the antibiofilm effect of LLCZ in Scedosporium spp. IMPORTANCE Lomentospora prolificans and S. apiospermum/P. boydii are opportunistic, multidrug-resistant pathogens causing invasive infections in immunosuppressed patients and sometimes in healthy persons. Lomentospora prolificans is panresistant against the currently available antifungals, and both species are associated with high mortality rates. Thus, the discovery of novel antifungal drugs exhibiting an effect against these resistant fungi is crucial. Our study shows the effect of luliconazole (LLCZ) against L. prolificans and Scedosporium spp. in vitro, as well as in an in vivo infection model. These data reveal the previously unknown inhibitory effect of LLCZ against L. prolificans and its antibiofilm effect in Scedosporium spp. It represents an extension of the literature regarding azole-resistant fungi and could potentially lead to the development of future treatment strategies against these opportunistic fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Tiberiu Furnica
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Silke Dittmer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Scharmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Kirchhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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5
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Chandler DJ, Bonifaz A, van de Sande WWJ. An update on the development of novel antifungal agents for eumycetoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1165273. [PMID: 37274106 PMCID: PMC10232793 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1165273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eumycetoma, a chronic subcutaneous mycosis, responds poorly to the available antifungal treatments and patients often require extensive surgical resection or amputation of the affected limb. More effective treatments are needed for eumycetoma. This article will describe some of the approaches being used to develop and evaluate new treatments for eumycetoma, summarise the latest developments and discuss the challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Dermatology Department, Brighton General Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandro Bonifaz
- Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wendy W. J. van de Sande
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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6
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Oliveira M, Oliveira D, Lisboa C, Boechat JL, Delgado L. Clinical Manifestations of Human Exposure to Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030381. [PMID: 36983549 PMCID: PMC10052331 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030381] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological particles, along with inorganic gaseous and particulate pollutants, constitute an ever-present component of the atmosphere and surfaces. Among these particles are fungal species colonizing almost all ecosystems, including the human body. Although inoffensive to most people, fungi can be responsible for several health problems, such as allergic fungal diseases and fungal infections. Worldwide fungal disease incidence is increasing, with new emerging fungal diseases appearing yearly. Reasons for this increase are the expansion of life expectancy, the number of immunocompromised patients (immunosuppressive treatments for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases), the number of uncontrolled underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the misusage of medication (e.g., corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics). Managing fungal diseases is challenging; only four classes of antifungal drugs are available, resistance to these drugs is increasing, and no vaccines have been approved. The present work reviews the implications of fungal particles in human health from allergic diseases (i.e., allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, severe asthma with fungal sensitization, thunderstorm asthma, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and occupational lung diseases) to infections (i.e., superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections). Topics such as the etiological agent, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment will be revised to improve the knowledge of this growing health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Oliveira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup-Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Oliveira
- CRN-Unidade de Reabilitação AVC, Centro de Reabilitação do Norte, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Avenida dos Sanatórios 127, 4405-565 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Carmen Lisboa
- Serviço de Microbiologia, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Dermatologia, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Laerte Boechat
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Delgado
- CINTESIS@RISE-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Serviço de Imunologia Básica e Clínica, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório de Imunologia, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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7
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Nosratabadi M, Faeli L, Haghani I, Mohammadi R, Khodavaisy S, Kachuei R, Katiraee F, Aghili SR, Shokohi T, Hedayati MT, Nazeri M, Javan-Nikkhah M, Zarrinfar H, Javidnia J, Najafzadeh MJ, Salimi M, M S Al Hatmi A, Badali H, Abastabar M. In vitro antifungal susceptibility profile of Iranian Fusarium isolates: Emphasising on the potent inhibitory effect of efinaconazole compared to other drugs. Mycoses 2023; 66:258-275. [PMID: 36447396 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13550] [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: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusarium species are opportunistic human pathogens that remarkably cause fungal infections ranging from superficial to fatal invasive disseminated infections. Fusarium species are notoriously resistant to the majority of antifungal agents. OBJECTIVES Therefore, detailed studies regarding in vitro susceptibility are required and may lead to a better prognosis of severe infections. METHODS We evaluated 25 antifungal drugs in vitro against 282 clinical and environmental Fusarium isolates. RESULTS Fusarium species demonstrated high MICs/MECs values to the most commonly used antifungal drugs in clinical practice. The geometric mean (GM) MICs for luliconazole (0.004 μg/ml) and lanoconazole (0.012 μg/ml) were the lowest, followed by efinaconazole (0.98 μg/ml) and amphotericin B (1.04 μg/ml). CONCLUSIONS Efinaconazole, a novel triazole, may be a promising candidate for the treatment of superficial Fusarium infections. Furthermore, the development of systemic formulations of these drugs as well as further in vitro and in vivo investigations could aid in the treatment of systemic fusariosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Nosratabadi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Leila Faeli
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Iman Haghani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Kachuei
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Katiraee
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Aghili
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Shokohi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Nazeri
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Najafzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Salimi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdullah M S Al Hatmi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman.,Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, San Antonio, USA
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Ganduri B, Sujith R, Tirlangi P, Nalla R, Veturi SY, Singh G, Xess I, Keithi-Reddy SR. Disseminated Medicopsis Romeroi Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient. J Mycol Med 2022; 33:101355. [PMID: 36529086 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Medicopsis romeroi is a rare, dematiaceous fungus that is difficult to identify using conventional fungal tests. Although uncommon, immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to this opportunistic fungus. Here, we report the case of a renal transplant recipient who presented with painful disseminated subcutaneous and soft tissue lesions. Sequencing of the Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA identified the fungus as Medicopsis romeroi. Additionally, tissue samples from a non-healing wound on the left forearm grew Rhizopus spp. on Sabouraud dextrose agar, indicating a Mucormycosis superinfection. The patient's condition improved with surgical intervention and antifungal therapy with Posaconazole and Terbinafine. This case demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion in order to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and thus reduce the risk of dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Sujith
- AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad and AIIMS, New Delhi.
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Lim W, Verbon A, van de Sande W. Identifying novel drugs with new modes of action for neglected tropical fungal skin diseases (fungal skinNTDs) using an Open Source Drug discovery approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:641-659. [PMID: 35612364 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2080195] [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: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The three fungal skin neglected tropical diseases (NTD) mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis currently lack prioritization and support to establish drug discovery programs in search for novel treatment options. This has made the efforts to identify novel drugs for these skinNTDs fragmented. AREAS COVERED To help escalate the discovery of novel drugs to treat these fungal skinNTDs, the authors have prepared an overview of the compounds with activity against fungal skinNTDs by analyzing data from individual drug discovery studies including those performed on the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) open access boxes. EXPERT OPINION The authors were unable to identify studies in which causative agents of all three skinNTDs were included, indicating that an integrated approach is currently lacking. From the currently available data, the azoles and iodoquinol were the only compounds with activity against causative agents from the three different fungal skinNTDs. Fungal melanin inhibition enhanced the activity of antifungal agents. For mycetoma, the fenarimols, aminothiazoles and benzimidazole carbamates are currently being investigated in the MycetOS initiative. To come to a more integrated approach to identify drugs active against all three fungal skinNTDs, compounds made in the MycetOS initiative could also be explored for chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy van de Sande
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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