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Salama EA, Elgammal Y, Wijeratne A, Lanman NA, Utturkar SM, Farhangian A, Li J, Meunier B, Hazbun TR, Seleem MN. Lansoprazole interferes with fungal respiration and acts synergistically with amphotericin B against multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2322649. [PMID: 38431850 PMCID: PMC10911247 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2322649] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a problematic fungal pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality. Amphotericin B (AmB) is the most effective antifungal used to treat invasive fungal candidiasis, with resistance rarely observed among clinical isolates. However, C. auris possesses extraordinary resistant profiles against all available antifungal drugs, including AmB. In our pursuit of potential solutions, we screened a panel of 727 FDA-approved drugs. We identified the proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole (LNP) as a potent enhancer of AmB's activity against C. auris. LNP also potentiates the antifungal activity of AmB against other medically important species of Candida and Cryptococcus. Our investigations into the mechanism of action unveiled that LNP metabolite(s) interact with a crucial target in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (complex III, known as cytochrome bc1). This interaction increases oxidative stress within fungal cells. Our results demonstrated the critical role of an active respiratory function in the antifungal activity of LNP. Most importantly, LNP restored the efficacy of AmB in an immunocompromised mouse model, resulting in a 1.7-log (∼98%) CFU reduction in the burden of C. auris in the kidneys. Our findings strongly advocate for a comprehensive evaluation of LNP as a cytochrome bc1 inhibitor for combating drug-resistant C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab A. Salama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Yehia Elgammal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Aruna Wijeratne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nadia A. Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sagar M. Utturkar
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Atena Farhangian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jianing Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Brigitte Meunier
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Tony R. Hazbun
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mohamed N. Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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2
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Abeles SR, Kline A, Lee P. Climate change and resilience for antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:270-276. [PMID: 38843434 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000001032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review covers recent research regarding the challenges posed by climate change within the areas of antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention, and ways to build resiliency in these fields. RECENT FINDINGS Infectious disease patterns are changing as microbes adapt to climate change and changing environmental factors. Capacity for testing and treating infectious diseases is challenged by newly emerging diseases, which exacerbate challenges to antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention.Antimicrobial resistance is accelerated due to environmental factors including air pollution, plastic pollution, and chemicals used in food systems, which are all impacted by climate change.Climate change places infection prevention practices at risk in many ways including from major weather events, increased risk of epidemics, and societal disruptions causing conditions that can overwhelm health systems. Researchers are building resilience by advancing rapid diagnostics and disease modeling, and identifying highly reliable versus low efficiency interventions. SUMMARY Climate change and associated major weather and socioeconomic events will place significant strain on healthcare facilities. Work being done to advance rapid diagnostics, build supply chain resilience, improve predictive disease modeling and surveillance, and identify high reliability versus low yield interventions will help build resiliency in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention for escalating challenges due to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira R Abeles
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine
| | - Ahnika Kline
- Associate Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego
| | - Pamela Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
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3
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Cafarchia C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Rhimi W, C I Ugochukwu I, Miglianti M, Beugnet F, Giuffrè L, Romeo O, Otranto D. Candida auris from the Egyptian cobra: Role of snakes as potential reservoirs. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae056. [PMID: 38816207 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae056] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris represents one of the most urgent threats to public health, although its ecology remains largely unknown. Because amphibians and reptiles may present favorable conditions for C. auris colonization, cloacal and blood samples (n = 68), from several snake species, were cultured and molecularly screened for C. auris using molecular amplification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol protein-encoding genes and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Candida auris was isolated from the cloacal swab of one Egyptian cobra (Naja haje legionis) and molecularly identified in its cloaca and blood. The isolation of C. auris from wild animals is herein reported for the first time, thus suggesting the role that these animals could play as reservoirs of this emerging pathogen. The occurrence of C. auris in blood requires further investigation, although the presence of cationic antimicrobial peptides in the plasma of reptiles could play a role in reducing the vitality of the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cafarchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy , 70010
| | | | - Wafa Rhimi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
| | - Iniobong C I Ugochukwu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 410001
| | - Mara Miglianti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
| | | | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy, 98122
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy, 98122
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 518057
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Khan T, Faysal NI, Hossain MM, Mah-E-Muneer S, Haider A, Moon SB, Sen D, Ahmed D, Parnell LA, Jubair M, Chow NA, Chowdhury F, Rahman M. Emergence of the novel sixth Candida auris Clade VI in Bangladesh. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0354023. [PMID: 38842332 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03540-23] [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] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, initially identified in 2009, has rapidly become a critical concern due to its antifungal resistance and significant mortality rates in healthcare-associated outbreaks. To date, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has identified five unique clades of C. auris, with some strains displaying resistance to all primary antifungal drug classes. In this study, we presented the first WGS analysis of C. auris from Bangladesh, describing its origins, transmission dynamics, and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) profile. Ten C. auris isolates collected from hospital settings in Bangladesh were initially identified by CHROMagar Candida Plus, followed by VITEK2 system, and later sequenced using Illumina NextSeq 550 system. Reference-based phylogenetic analysis and variant calling pipelines were used to classify the isolates in different clades. All isolates aligned ~90% with the Clade I C. auris B11205 reference genome. Of the 10 isolates, 8 were clustered with Clade I isolates, highlighting a South Asian lineage prevalent in Bangladesh. Remarkably, the remaining two isolates formed a distinct cluster, exhibiting >42,447 single-nucleotide polymorphism differences compared to their closest Clade IV counterparts. This significant variation corroborates the emergence of a sixth clade (Clade VI) of C. auris in Bangladesh, with potential for international transmission. AFST results showed that 80% of the C. auris isolates were resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole, whereas Clade VI isolates were susceptible to azoles, echinocandins, and pyrimidine analogue. Genomic sequencing revealed ERG11_Y132F mutation conferring azole resistance while FCY1_S70R mutation found inconsequential in describing 5-flucytosine resistance. Our study underscores the pressing need for comprehensive genomic surveillance in Bangladesh to better understand the emergence, transmission dynamics, and resistance profiles of C. auris infections. Unveiling the discovery of a sixth clade (Clade VI) accentuates the indispensable role of advanced sequencing methodologies.IMPORTANCECandida auris is a nosocomial fungal pathogen that is commonly misidentified as other Candida species. Since its emergence in 2009, this multidrug-resistant fungus has become one of the five urgent antimicrobial threats by 2019. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has proven to be the most accurate identification technique of C. auris which also played a crucial role in the initial discovery of this pathogen. WGS analysis of C. auris has revealed five distinct clades where isolates of each clade differ among themselves based on pathogenicity, colonization, infection mechanism, as well as other phenotypic characteristics. In Bangladesh, C. auris was first reported in 2019 from clinical samples of a large hospital in Dhaka city. To understand the origin, transmission dynamics, and antifungal-resistance profile of C. auris isolates circulating in Bangladesh, we conducted a WGS-based surveillance study on two of the largest hospital settings in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahsin Khan
- Genome Center, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Syeda Mah-E-Muneer
- Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arefeen Haider
- Genome Center, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shovan Basak Moon
- Genome Center, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Debashis Sen
- Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Dilruba Ahmed
- Mycology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences and Services Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lindsay A Parnell
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohammad Jubair
- Genome Center, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nancy A Chow
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafizur Rahman
- Genome Center, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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5
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Banik S, Ozay B, Trejo M, Zhu Y, Kanna C, Santellan C, Shaw B, Chandrasekaran S, Chaturvedi S, Vejar L, Chakravorty S, Alland D, Banada P. A simple and sensitive test for Candida auris colonization, surveillance, and infection control suitable for near patient use. J Clin Microbiol 2024:e0052524. [PMID: 38888304 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00525-24] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with a propensity to colonize humans and persist on environmental surfaces. C. auris invasive fungal disease is being increasingly identified in acute and long-term care settings. We have developed a prototype cartridge-based C. auris surveillance assay (CaurisSurV cartridge; "research use only") that includes integrated sample processing and nucleic acid amplification to detect C. auris from surveillance skin swabs in the GeneXpert instrument and is designed for point-of-care use. The assay limit of detection (LoD) in the skin swab matrix was 10.5 and 14.8 CFU/mL for non-aggregative (AR0388) and aggregative (AR0382) strains of C. auris, respectively. All five known clades of C. auris were detected at 2-3-5× (31.5-52.5 CFU/mL) the LoD. The assay was validated using a total of 85 clinical swab samples banked at two different institutions (University of California Los Angeles, CA and Wadsworth Center, NY). Compared to culture, sensitivity was 96.8% (30/31) and 100% (10/10) in the UCLA and Wadsworth cohorts, respectively, providing a combined sensitivity of 97.5% (40/41), and compared to PCR, the combined sensitivity was 92% (46/50). Specificity was 100% with both clinical (C. auris negative matrix, N = 31) and analytical (non-C. auris strains, N = 32) samples. An additional blinded study with N = 60 samples from Wadsworth Center, NY yielded 97% (29/30) sensitivity and 100% (28/28) specificity. We have developed a completely integrated, sensitive, specific, and 58-min prototype test, which can be used for routine surveillance of C. auris and might help prevent colonization and outbreaks in acute and chronic healthcare settings. IMPORTANCE This study has the potential to offer a better solution to healthcare providers at hospitals and long-term care facilities in their ongoing efforts for effective and timely control of Candida auris infection and hence quicker response for any potential future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukalyani Banik
- Center for Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Burcu Ozay
- Research and Development, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA
| | - Marisol Trejo
- UCLA DGSOM Pathology & Lab Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - YanChun Zhu
- Mycology laboratory, Wadsworth Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Charan Kanna
- Center for Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Cynthia Santellan
- UCLA DGSOM Pathology & Lab Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bennett Shaw
- UCLA DGSOM Pathology & Lab Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | - Lindy Vejar
- Research and Development, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA
| | - Soumitesh Chakravorty
- Center for Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Research and Development, Cepheid, Sunnyvale, California, USA
| | - David Alland
- Center for Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Padmapriya Banada
- Center for Emerging Pathogens, Department of Medicine, Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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6
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Rhodes J, Jacobs J, Dennis EK, Manjari SR, Banavali N, Marlow R, Rokebul MA, Chaturvedi S, Chaturvedi V. What makes Candida auris pan-drug resistant? Integrative insights from genomic, transcriptomic, and phenomic analysis of clinical strains resistant to all four major classes of antifungal drugs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599548. [PMID: 38948750 PMCID: PMC11212996 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The global epidemic of drug-resistant Candida auris continues unabated. We do not know what caused the unprecedented appearance of pan-drug resistant (PDR) Candida auris strains in a hospitalized patient in New York; the initial report highlighted both known and unique mutations in the prominent gene targets of azoles, amphotericin B, echinocandins, and flucytosine antifungal drugs. However, the factors that allow C. auris to acquire multi-drug resistance and pan-drug resistance are not known. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and phenomic analysis to better understand PDR C. auris . Among 1,570 genetic variants in drug-resistant C. auris , 299 were unique to PDR strains. The whole genome sequencing results suggested perturbations in genes associated with nucleotide biosynthesis, mRNA processing, and nuclear export of mRNA. Whole transcriptome sequencing of PDR C. auris revealed two genes to be significantly differentially expressed - a DNA repair protein and DNA replication-dependent chromatin assembly factor 1. Of 59 novel transcripts, 12 candidate transcripts had no known homology among expressed transcripts found in other organisms. We observed no fitness defects among multi-drug resistant (MDR) and PDR C. auris strains grown in nutrient-deficient or - enriched media at different temperatures. Phenotypic profiling revealed wider adaptability to nitrogenous nutrients with an uptick in the utilization of substrates critical in upper glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Structural modelling of 33-amino acid deletion in the gene for uracil phosphoribosyl transferase suggested an alternate route in C. auris to generate uracil monophosphate that does not accommodate 5-fluorouracil as a substrate. Overall, we find evidence of metabolic adaptations in MDR and PDR C. auris in response to antifungal drug lethality without deleterious fitness costs.
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7
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Reidenberg BE, Jenkins SG, Crandon JL, Hurlburt E, Tan X, Rhomberg PR, Arends SJR, Pfaffle A. In vitro activity of taurolidine against clinical Candida auris isolates: relevance to catheter-related bloodstream infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0038124. [PMID: 38864612 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00381-24] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an evolving and concerning global threat. Of particular concern are bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. We evaluated the activity of taurolidine, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial in catheter lock solutions, against 106 C. auris isolates. Taurolidine was highly active with a MIC50/MIC90 of 512/512 mg/L, over 20-fold lower than lock solution concentrations of ≥13,500 mg/L. Our data demonstrate a theoretical basis for taurolidine-based lock solutions for prevention of C. auris catheter-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce E Reidenberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen G Jenkins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Xing Tan
- CorMedix Inc., Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul R Rhomberg
- Element Iowa City (JMI Laboratories), North Liberty, Iowa, USA
| | - S J Ryan Arends
- Element Iowa City (JMI Laboratories), North Liberty, Iowa, USA
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8
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Wu S, Jia W, Lu Y, Jiang H, Huang C, Tang S, Du L. Mechanism and bioinformatics analysis of the effect of berberine-enhanced fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida albicans. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:196. [PMID: 38849761 PMCID: PMC11157861 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03334-0] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms produced by Candida albicans present a challenge in treatment with antifungal drug. Enhancing the sensitivity to fluconazole (FLC) is a reasonable method for treating FLC-resistant species. Moreover, several lines of evidence have demonstrated that berberine (BBR) can have antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to clarify the underlying mechanism of these effects. We conducted a comparative study of the inhibition of FLC-resistant strain growth by FLC treatment alone, BBR treatment alone, and the synergistic effect of combined FLC and BBR treatment. Twenty-four isolated strains showed distinct biofilm formation capabilities. The antifungal effect of combined FLC and BBR treatment in terms of the growth and biofilm formation of Candida albicans species was determined via checkerboard, time-kill, and fluorescence microscopy assays. The synergistic effect of BBR and FLC downregulated the expression of the efflux pump genes CDR1 and MDR, the hyphal gene HWP1, and the adhesion gene ALS3; however, the gene expression of the transcriptional repressor TUP1 was upregulated following treatment with this drug combination. Furthermore, the addition of BBR led to a marked reduction in cell surface hydrophobicity. To identify resistance-related genes and virulence factors through genome-wide sequencing analysis, we investigated the inhibition of related resistance gene expression by the combination of BBR and FLC, as well as the associated signaling pathways and metabolic pathways. The KEGG metabolic map showed that the metabolic genes in this strain are mainly involved in amino acid and carbon metabolism. The metabolic pathway map showed that several ergosterol (ERG) genes were involved in the synthesis of cell membrane sterols, which may be related to drug resistance. In this study, BBR + FLC combination treatment upregulated the expression of the ERG1, ERG3, ERG4, ERG5, ERG24, and ERG25 genes and downregulated the expression of the ERG6 and ERG9 genes compared with fluconazole treatment alone (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Hongkun Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Chunlan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Shifu Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Le Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China.
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9
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Dakalbab S, Hamdy R, Holigová P, Abuzaid EJ, Abu-Qiyas A, Lashine Y, Mohammad MG, Soliman SSM. Uniqueness of Candida auris cell wall in morphogenesis, virulence, resistance, and immune evasion. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127797. [PMID: 38851008 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127797] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has drawn global attention due to its alarming multidrug resistance and the emergence of pan resistant strains. C. auris poses a significant risk in nosocomial candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. C. auris showed unique virulence characteristics associated with cell wall including cell polymorphism, adaptation, endurance on inanimate surfaces, tolerance to external conditions, and immune evasion. Notably, it possesses a distinctive cell wall composition, with an outer mannan layer shielding the inner 1,3-β glucan from immune recognition, thereby enabling immune evasion and drug resistance. This review aimed to comprehend the association between unique characteristics of C. auris's cell wall and virulence, resistance mechanisms, and immune evasion. This is particularly relevant since the fungal cell wall has no human homology, providing a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the complex interactions between the cell wall and the host immune system is essential for devising effective treatment strategies, such as the use of repurposed medications, novel therapeutic agents, and immunotherapy like monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic targeting strategy of C. auris holds promise for effective eradication of this resilient pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Eman J Abuzaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameera Abu-Qiyas
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasmina Lashine
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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10
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Wake RM, Allebone-Salt PE, John LLH, Caswall BA, Govender NP, Ben-Ami R, Murray LW, Logan C, Harrison TS, Bicanic TA. Optimizing the Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis-A Case for Combination Therapy. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae072. [PMID: 38887482 PMCID: PMC11181177 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae072] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is a rising global health threat with increasing incidence, persistently high mortality, and diminishing treatment options. Antifungal resistance has rapidly emerged and spread, with multidrug-resistant species deemed an urgent and serious threat. While acknowledging the key role of antifungal stewardship and infection control in curbing spread, we examine the role of antifungal monotherapy in driving resistance and the potential for combination therapy to prevent stress adaptation and emergence of drug resistance. In addition to its role in mitigating resistance, combination treatment may improve drug penetration, expedite fungal clearance, and allow lower, less toxic doses of individual drugs to be used. A growing body of laboratory-based evidence suggests that antifungal combinations can yield synergistic activity against Candida spp., including against frequently multidrug-resistant Candida auris. It is imperative to test these combinations in clinical trials, incorporating resistance end points as a marker of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Phoebe E Allebone-Salt
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Larissa L H John
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ben A Caswall
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, A Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ronen Ben-Ami
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and the Sackler, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Lyle W Murray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clare Logan
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tihana A Bicanic
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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11
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Walsh TJ. Meeting the Therapeutic Challenges of Emergent and Rare Invasive Fungal Diseases Through Novel Clinical Trial Designs. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae257. [PMID: 38887484 PMCID: PMC11181194 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae257] [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: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatments for emerging and rare invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) represent a critical unmet medical need. For IFDs that occur less frequently than invasive aspergillosis, such as mucormycosis, hyalohyphomycosis, and phaeohyphomycosis, randomized controlled clinical trials are impractical and unlikely to meet urgent public health needs. Understanding regulatory approaches for approval of drugs for rare cancers and rare metabolic diseases could help meet the challenges of studying drugs for rare IFDs. A single-arm, controlled clinical trial with a high-quality external control(s), with confirmatory evidence from nonclinical studies, including pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data in predictive animal models of the disease may support findings of effectiveness of new drugs and biologics. Control populations may include historical controls from published literature, patient registries, and/or contemporaneous external control groups. Continuous engagement among clinicians, industrial sponsors, and regulatory agencies to develop consensus on trial design and innovative development pathways for emergent and rare invasive fungal diseases is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Walsh
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Office of the Director (citdx.org), Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Casimiro-Ramos A, Bautista-Crescencio C, Vidal-Montiel A, González GM, Hernández-García JA, Hernández-Rodríguez C, Villa-Tanaca L. Comparative Genomics of the First Resistant Candida auris Strain Isolated in Mexico: Phylogenomic and Pan-Genomic Analysis and Mutations Associated with Antifungal Resistance. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:392. [PMID: 38921378 PMCID: PMC11204476 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060392] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant and opportunistic pathogenic yeast. Whole-genome sequencing analysis has defined five major clades, each from a distinct geographic region. The current study aimed to examine the genome of the C. auris 20-1498 strain, which is the first isolate of this fungus identified in Mexico. Based on whole-genome sequencing, the draft genome was found to contain 70 contigs. It had a total genome size of 12.86 Mbp, an N50 value of 1.6 Mbp, and an average guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 45.5%. Genome annotation revealed a total of 5432 genes encoding 5515 proteins. According to the genomic analysis, the C. auris 20-1498 strain belongs to clade IV (containing strains endemic to South America). Of the two genes (ERG11 and FKS1) associated with drug resistance in C. auris, a mutation was detected in K143R, a gene located in a mutation hotspot of ERG11 (lanosterol 14-α-demethylase), an antifungal drug target. The focus on whole-genome sequencing and the identification of mutations linked to the drug resistance of fungi could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets and new antifungal compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Casimiro-Ramos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Celia Bautista-Crescencio
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Alvaro Vidal-Montiel
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Gloria M. González
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Hospital Universitario “Dr. José Eleuterio Gonzalez”, Av. Madero y Calle Dr. Eduardo Aguirre Pequeño s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo Leon, Mexico;
| | - Juan Alfredo Hernández-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - César Hernández-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
| | - Lourdes Villa-Tanaca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Bacterias y Levaduras, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico; (A.C.-R.); (C.B.-C.); (A.V.-M.); (J.A.H.-G.); (C.H.-R.)
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13
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Shaban S, Patel M, Ahmad A. Antifungal activity of human antimicrobial peptides targeting apoptosis in Candida auris. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38743468 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001835] [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: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Innovative antifungal therapies are of crucial importance to combat the potentially life-threatening infections linked to the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris. Induction of regulated cell death, apoptosis, could provide an outline for future therapeutics. Human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), well-known antifungal compounds, have shown the ability to induce apoptosis in pathogenic fungi.Hypothesis/Gap Statement . Although it is known that AMPs possess antifungal activity against C. auris, their ability to induce apoptosis requires further investigations.Aim. This study evaluated the effects of AMPs on the induction of apoptosis in C. auris.Methods. Human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1), human β-Defensins-3 (hBD-3) and human salivary histatin 5 (His 5) were assessed against two clinical C. auris isolates. Apoptosis hallmarks were examined using FITC-Annexin V/PI double labelling assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labelling (TUNEL) to detect phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Then, several intracellular triggers were studied using JC-10 staining, spectrophotometric assay and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome-c release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively.Results and conclusion. FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL analysis revealed that exposure of C. auris cells to HNP-1 and hBD-3 triggered both early and late apoptosis, while His 5 caused significant necrosis. Furthermore, HNP-1 and hBD-3 induced significant mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which resulted in substantial cytochrome c release. In contrast to His 5, which showed minimal mitochondrial depolarization and no cytochrome c release. At last, all peptides significantly increased ROS production, which is related to both types of cell death. Therefore, these peptides represent promising and effective antifungal agents for treating invasive infections caused by multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siham Shaban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mrudula Patel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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14
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De Gaetano S, Midiri A, Mancuso G, Avola MG, Biondo C. Candida auris Outbreaks: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2024; 12:927. [PMID: 38792757 PMCID: PMC11123812 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050927] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a critical priority pathogen on its latest list of fungi. C. auris infections are reported in the bloodstream and less commonly in the cerebrospinal fluid and abdomen, with mortality rates that range between 30% and 72%. However, no large-scale epidemiology studies have been reported until now. The diagnosis of C. auris infections can be challenging, particularly when employing conventional techniques. This can impede the early detection of outbreaks and the implementation of appropriate control measures. The yeast can easily spread between patients and in healthcare settings through contaminated environments or equipment, where it can survive for extended periods. Therefore, it would be desirable to screen patients for C. auris colonisation. This would allow facilities to identify patients with the disease and take appropriate prevention and control measures. It is frequently unsusceptible to drugs, with varying patterns of resistance observed among clades and geographical regions. This review provides updates on C. auris, including epidemiology, clinical characteristics, genomic analysis, evolution, colonisation, infection, identification, resistance profiles, therapeutic options, prevention, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carmelo Biondo
- Mycology Laboratory, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.D.G.); (A.M.); (G.M.); (M.G.A.)
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15
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Chen XF, Zhang H, Liu LL, Guo LN, Liu WJ, Liu YL, Li DD, Zhao Y, Zhu RY, Li Y, Dai RC, Yu SY, Li J, Wang T, Dou HT, Xu YC. Genome-wide analysis of in vivo-evolved Candida auris reveals multidrug-resistance mechanisms. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:35. [PMID: 38637433 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00832-7] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, an emerging and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, has led to numerous outbreaks in China. While the resistance mechanisms against azole and amphotericin B have been studied, the development of drug resistance in this pathogen remains poorly understood, particularly in in vivo-generated drug-resistant strains. This study employed pathogen whole-genome sequencing to investigate the epidemiology and drug-resistance mutations of C. auris using 16 strains isolated from two patients. Identification was conducted through Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and antimicrobial susceptibilities were assessed using broth microdilution and Sensititre YeastOne YO10. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that all isolates belonged to the South Asian lineage, displaying genetic heterogeneity. Despite low genetic variability among patient isolates, notable mutations were identified, including Y132F in ERG11 and A585S in TAC1b, likely linked to increased fluconazole resistance. Strains from patient B also carried F214L in TAC1b, resulting in a consistent voriconazole minimum inhibitory concentration of 4 µg/mL across all isolates. Furthermore, a novel frameshift mutation in the SNG1 gene was observed in amphotericin B-resistant isolates compared to susceptible ones. Our findings suggest the potential transmission of C. auris and emphasize the need to explore variations related to antifungal resistance. This involves analyzing genomic mutations and karyotypes, especially in vivo, to compare sensitive and resistant strains. Further monitoring and validation efforts are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Fei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Li Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Na Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Ding-Ding Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Ren-Yuan Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Chen Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Ying Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Tao Dou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China.
| | - Ying-Chun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases (BZ0447), Beijing, China.
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16
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Cerqueira FM, Bertsch J, DeMaet MA, York T, McDougal A, Patel JA, Ren P. Enhancing Candida auris Surveillance in High-Risk Settings by Implementing a High-Throughput Molecular Assay on the Hologic Fusion Open Access Platform. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:285. [PMID: 38667956 PMCID: PMC11051439 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040285] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, a resilient pathogenic yeast with frequent multidrug resistance, presents a persistent challenge in healthcare settings. The timely identification of C. auris is crucial for infection control and prevention, especially in facilities facing unique hurdles, such as our institution, which serves four major hospitals and approximately 80% of the Texas inmate population. Understaffing, communal living, and financial constraints exacerbate infection control issues. To address common staff shortages, streamline testing services, and enhance testing efficiency, there was a pressing need for rapid and high-throughput detection of C. auris. This study presents the validation and utility of an assay implemented on the Hologic Fusion Open Access platform using samples collected from high-risk patients' axilla and groin areas, as well as environmental swab samples from patient rooms. Our assay complemented efforts to control C. auris outbreaks within our healthcare system, providing valuable insights into its presence within surveillance samples. This assay demonstrated the value of high-throughput molecular detection platforms in challenging healthcare environments by aiding infection preventionists in containing the spread of C. auris and preventing nosocomial infections. Our research contributes essential data on the suitability and performance of the Hologic Fusion Open Access platform for C. auris detection. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing surveillance and control measures in high-risk settings, making a significant impact on the field of infection control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ping Ren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (F.M.C.); (J.B.); (M.A.D.); (T.Y.); (A.M.); (J.A.P.)
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17
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Siopi M, Pachoulis I, Leventaki S, Spruijtenburg B, Meis JF, Pournaras S, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Meletiadis J. Evaluation of the Vitek 2 system for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida auris using a representative international panel of clinical isolates: overestimation of amphotericin B resistance and underestimation of fluconazole resistance. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0152823. [PMID: 38501836 PMCID: PMC11005389 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01528-23] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the Vitek 2 system is broadly used for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida spp., its performance against Candida auris has been assessed using limited number of isolates recovered from restricted geographic areas. We therefore compared Vitek 2 system with the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method using an international collection of 100 C. auris isolates belonging to different clades. The agreement ±1 twofold dilution between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) tentative resistance breakpoints and Vitek 2-specific wild-type upper limit values (WT-ULVs) were determined. The CLSI-Vitek 2 agreement was poor for 5-flucytosine (0%), fluconazole (16%), and amphotericin B (29%), and moderate for voriconazole (61%), micafungin (67%), and caspofungin (81%). Significant interpretation errors were recorded using the CDC breakpoints for amphotericin B (31% CA, 69% major errors; MaEs) and fluconazole (69% CA, 31% very major errors; VmEs), but not for echinocandins (99% CA, 1% MaEs for both micafungin and caspofungin) for which the Vitek 2 allowed correct categorization of echinocandin-resistant FKS1 mutant isolates. Discrepancies were reduced when the Vitek 2 WT-ULV of 16 mg/L for amphotericin B (98% CA, 2% MaEs) and of 4 mg/L for fluconazole (96% CA, 1% MaEs, 3% VmEs) were used. In conclusion, the Vitek 2 system performed well for echinocandin susceptibility testing of C .auris. Resistance to fluconazole was underestimated whereas resistance to amphotericin B was overestimated using the CDC breakpoints of ≥32 and ≥2 mg/L, respectively. Vitek 2 minimun inhibitory concentrations (MICs) >4 mg/L indicated resistance to fluconazole and Vitek 2 MICs ≤16 mg/L indicated non-resistance to amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pachoulis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Leventaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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18
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Hui ST, Gifford H, Rhodes J. Emerging Antifungal Resistance in Fungal Pathogens. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 11:43-50. [PMID: 38725545 PMCID: PMC11076205 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-024-00219-8] [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] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Over recent decades, the number of outbreaks caused by fungi has increased for humans, plants (including important crop species) and animals. Yet this problem is compounded by emerging antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic species. Resistance develops over time when fungi are exposed to drugs either in the patient or in the environment. Recent Findings Novel resistant variants of fungal pathogens that were previously susceptible are evolving (such as Aspergillus fumigatus) as well as newly emerging fungal species that are displaying antifungal resistance profiles (e.g. Candida auris and Trichophyton indotineae). Summary This review highlights the important topic of emerging antifungal resistance in fungal pathogens and how it evolved, as well as how this relates to a growing public health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Ting Hui
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hugh Gifford
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, the Netherlands
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19
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Puumala E, Fallah S, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Advancements and challenges in antifungal therapeutic development. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0014223. [PMID: 38294218 PMCID: PMC10938895 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00142-23] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Over recent decades, the global burden of fungal disease has expanded dramatically. It is estimated that fungal disease kills approximately 1.5 million individuals annually; however, the true worldwide burden of fungal infection is thought to be higher due to existing gaps in diagnostics and clinical understanding of mycotic disease. The development of resistance to antifungals across diverse pathogenic fungal genera is an increasingly common and devastating phenomenon due to the dearth of available antifungal classes. These factors necessitate a coordinated response by researchers, clinicians, public health agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry to develop new antifungal strategies, as the burden of fungal disease continues to grow. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the new antifungal therapeutics currently in clinical trials, highlighting their spectra of activity and progress toward clinical implementation. We also profile up-and-coming intracellular proteins and pathways primed for the development of novel antifungals targeting their activity. Ultimately, we aim to emphasize the importance of increased investment into antifungal therapeutics in the current continually evolving landscape of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Fallah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ettadili H, Vural C. Current global status of Candida auris an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen: bibliometric analysis and network visualization. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:391-402. [PMID: 38261261 PMCID: PMC10920528 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01239-0] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen associated with nosocomial infections and hospital outbreaks worldwide, presenting a serious global health threat. There has been a rapid emergence of scientific research publications focusing on therapeutic compounds, diagnostic techniques, control strategies, prevention, and understanding the epidemiology related to C. auris. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide the most up-to-date comprehensive and integrated examination of C. auris research subject and demonstrate that C. auris is indeed a topic of increasing interest. METHODS The search query "candida-auris" was used as a topic term to find and retrieve relevant data published between 2009 and 15 June 2023, from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. In this work, the bibliometric analysis and network visualization were conducted using VOSviewer software, and Biblioshiny interface accessible through the Bibliometrix R-package on RStudio software. RESULTS The yearly growth rate percentage (37.91%), along with the strong positive correlations between publications and citations (r = 0.981; p < 0.001), suggests heightened scholarly engagement in this topic. The USA, India, China, and the UK have emerged as pivotal contributors, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA being the most productive institution. Current research hotspots in this field mainly focused on identifying and limiting transmission of the clonal strains, epidemiology, antifungal resistance, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing. CONCLUSION This detailed bibliometric analysis in C. auris topic shows that this fungal pathogen has garnered growing attention and attracted progressively more scholars. This paper will help researchers to find without difficulty the relevant articles, research hotspots, influential authors, institutions, and countries related to the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Ettadili
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Pamukkale University, 20160, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Caner Vural
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Pamukkale University, 20160, Denizli, Turkey.
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21
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Thomsen J, Abdulrazzaq NM, Oulhaj A, Nyasulu PS, Alatoom A, Denning DW, Al Dhaheri F, Menezes GA, Moubareck CA, Senok A, Everett DB. Emergence of highly resistant Candida auris in the United Arab Emirates: a retrospective analysis of evolving national trends. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1244358. [PMID: 38292390 PMCID: PMC10826512 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244358] [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] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control lists Candida auris, given its global emergence, multidrug resistance, high mortality, and persistent transmissions in health care settings as one of five urgent threats. As a new threat, the need for surveillance of C. auris is critical. This is particularly important for a cosmopolitan setting and global hub such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where continued introduction and emergence of resistant variant strains is a major concern. Methods The United Arab Emirates has carried out a 12 years of antimicrobial resistance surveillance (2010-2021) across the country, spanning all seven Emirates. A retrospective analysis of C. auris emergence from 2018-2021 was undertaken, utilising the demographic and microbiological data collected via a unified WHONET platform for AMR surveillance. Results Nine hundred eight non-duplicate C. auris isolates were reported from 2018-2021. An exponential upward trend of cases was found. Most isolates were isolated from urine, blood, skin and soft tissue, and the respiratory tract. UAE nationals nationals comprised 29% (n = 186 of 632) of all patients; the remainder were from 34 other nations. Almost all isolates were from inpatient settings (89.0%, n = 809). The cases show widespread distribution across all reporting sites in the country. C. auris resistance levels remained consistently high across all classes of antifungals used. C. auris in this population remains highly resistant to azoles (fluconazole, 72.6% in 2021) and amphotericin. Echinocandin resistance has now emerged and is increasing annually. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between Candida auris and Candida spp. (non-auris) patients (p-value: 0.8179), however Candida auris patients had a higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate (p-value <0.0001) and longer hospital stay (p < 0.0001) compared to Candida spp. (non-auris) patients. Conclusion The increasing trend of C. auris detection and associated multidrug resistant phenotypes in the UAE is alarming. Continued C. auris circulation in hospitals requires enhanced infection control measures to prevent continued dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Thomsen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safey, Abu Dhabi Publich Health Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Najiba M. Abdulrazzaq
- Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai, Emirates Health Services Establishment (EHS), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abderrahim Oulhaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Peter S. Nyasulu
- Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adnan Alatoom
- Department of Pathology, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Al Dhaheri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Godfred Antony Menezes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Dean B. Everett
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Biotechnology Research Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Infection Research Unit, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Jaromin A, Zarnowski R, Markowski A, Zagórska A, Johnson CJ, Etezadi H, Kihara S, Mota-Santiago P, Nett JE, Boyd BJ, Andes DR. Liposomal formulation of a new antifungal hybrid compound provides protection against Candida auris in the ex vivo skin colonization model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0095523. [PMID: 38092678 PMCID: PMC10777852 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00955-23] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The newly emerged pathogen, Candida auris, presents a serious threat to public health worldwide. This multidrug-resistant yeast often colonizes and persists on the skin of patients, can easily spread from person to person, and can cause life-threatening systemic infections. New antifungal therapies are therefore urgently needed to limit and control both superficial and systemic C. auris infections. In this study, we designed a novel antifungal agent, PQA-Az-13, that contains a combination of indazole, pyrrolidine, and arylpiperazine scaffolds substituted with a trifluoromethyl moiety. PQA-Az-13 demonstrated antifungal activity against biofilms of a set of 10 different C. auris clinical isolates, representing all four geographical clades distinguished within this species. This compound showed strong activity, with MIC values between 0.67 and 1.25 µg/mL. Cellular proteomics indicated that PQA-Az-13 partially or completely inhibited numerous enzymatic proteins in C. auris biofilms, particularly those involved in both amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism processes, as well as in general energy-producing processes. Due to its hydrophobic nature and limited aqueous solubility, PQA-Az-13 was encapsulated in cationic liposomes composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-trimethylammonium-propane chloride (DOTAP), and N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, sodium salt (DSPE-PEG 2000), and characterized by biophysical and spectral techniques. These PQA-Az-13-loaded liposomes displayed a mean size of 76.4 nm, a positive charge of +45.0 mV, a high encapsulation efficiency of 97.2%, excellent stability, and no toxicity to normal human dermal fibroblasts. PQA-Az-13 liposomes demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity levels against both C. auris in in vitro biofilms and ex vivo skin colonization models. These initial results suggest that molecules like PQA-Az-13 warrant further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jaromin
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adam Markowski
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zagórska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Chad J. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Haniyeh Etezadi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shinji Kihara
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ben J. Boyd
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Victoria, Australia
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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23
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Lee EH, Choi MH, Lee KH, Kim D, Jeong SH, Song YG, Han SH. Intrahospital transmission and infection control of Candida auris originating from a severely infected COVID-19 patient transferred abroad. J Hosp Infect 2024; 143:140-149. [PMID: 37939883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.10.017] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahospital spread of Candida auris, which survives tenaciously in many environments, can cause sustained colonization and infection. A large outbreak of C. auris was experienced in the intensive care units (ICUs) at the study hospital during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS The index patient with severe COVID-19, who was transferred from Vietnam in January 2022, developed C. auris candidaemia 10 days after hospitalization. From mid-June 2022 to January 2023, strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were implemented in three ICUs: (1) contact precautions and isolation (CPI) for C. auris-positive cases; (2) surveillance cultures including point-prevalence (N=718) for patients or close contacts or ICU-resident healthcare workers (HCWs); (3) intensive environmental disinfection with 10-fold diluted bleach; and (4) 2% chlorhexidine bathing for all ICU patients. Environmental cultures (ECx) on surfaces and shared objects (N=276) were conducted until early September 2022, when all ECx were negative. RESULTS Among 53 C. auris-positive patients between February 2022 and January 2023, invasive infections resulted in seven cases of candidaemia and one case of pneumonia. C. auris was isolated from reusable tympanic thermometers (TTMs) contaminated with earwax. The isolation rate of C. auris in ECx decreased from 6.8% in June 2022 to 2.0% in August 2022, and was no longer detected in TTMs. Colonization in HCWs was remarkably rare (0.5%). The number of C. auris-positive patients peaked in July (N=10) then decreased gradually. By January 2023, no C. auris were isolated in the ICU. CONCLUSION Aggressive IPC measures with CPI, ECx and surveillance, decontamination of TTMs, and bathing were effective in successfully controlling this C. auris outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - M H Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - K H Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - D Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - S H Jeong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Research Institute of Bacterial Resistance, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Y G Song
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - S H Han
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Seiser S, Arzani H, Ayub T, Phan-Canh T, Staud C, Worda C, Kuchler K, Elbe-Bürger A. Native human and mouse skin infection models to study Candida auris-host interactions. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105234. [PMID: 37813159 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105234] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared certain fungal pathogens as global health threats for the next decade. Candida auris (C. auris) is a newly emerging skin-tropic multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections of high mortality in hospitals and healthcare settings. Here, we address an unmet need and present novel native ex vivo skin models, thus extending previous C. auris-host interaction studies. We exploit histology and immunofluorescence analysis of ex vivo skin biopsies of human adult and fetal, as well as mouse origin infected with C. auris via distinct routes. We demonstrate that an intact skin barrier efficiently protects from C. auris penetration and invasion. Although C. auris readily grows on native human skin, it can reach deeper layers only upon physical disruption of the barrier by needling or through otherwise damaged skin. By contrast, a barrier disruption is not necessary for C. auris penetration of native mouse skin. Importantly, we show that C. auris undergoes morphogenetic changes upon skin penetration, as it acquires pseudohyphal growth phenotypes in deeper human and mouse dermis. Taken together, this new human and mouse skin model toolset yields new insights into C. auris colonization, adhesion, growth and invasion properties of native versus damaged human skin. The results form a crucial basis for future studies on skin immune defense to colonizing pathogens, and offer new options for testing the action and efficacy of topical antimicrobial compound formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Seiser
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hossein Arzani
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanya Ayub
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Trinh Phan-Canh
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clement Staud
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christof Worda
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9/2, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Adelheid Elbe-Bürger
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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25
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Halliday C, Kim HY, Tay E, Chen SCA, Alffenaar JW. Exploring synergy between azole antifungal drugs and statins for Candida auris. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:2824-2829. [PMID: 37823357 PMCID: PMC10689908 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad303] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global emergence of rapidly developing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and high mortality pose challenges to the treatment of invasive Candida auris infections. New therapeutic approaches are needed, such as repurposing drugs including combination with antifungals. Statins have been reported to exert antifungal effects against various Candida species. OBJECTIVES Our study investigated potential synergy between the statins (rosuvastatin and fluvastatin) and azoles (voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole) on clinical isolates of C. auris. METHODS Twenty-one clinical isolates of C. auris were obtained. Chequerboard assays based on the CLSI broth microdilution method were used to assess synergy based on FIC index (FICI) calculations of MICs of individual drugs and in combinations. RESULTS Single drug geometric mean (GM) MICs of fluvastatin and rosuvastatin were ≥128 mg/L in all 21 isolates. GM (range) MICs of posaconazole, voriconazole and isavuconazole were 0.259 (0.016-1 mg/L), 0.469 (0.016-2 mg/L) and 0.085 (0.004-1 mg/L), respectively. Combination of azoles with fluvastatin showed synergy in 70%-90% of C. auris isolates. In particular, voriconazole/fluvastatin resulted in 16-fold reduction in voriconazole MIC and synergy in 14/21 (67%) isolates. Posaconazole/fluvastatin resulted in 8-fold reduction in posaconazole MIC and synergy in 19/21 (90%) isolates.Combining rosuvastatin with the azoles also showed synergy against C. auris in 40%-60% of the isolates and additive effect in 40%-50%. None of the combinations was antagonistic. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a rationale for pursuing in vivo synergy tests as well as clinical studies to explore tolerability, treatment outcomes, optimal dose and exposure targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, A15 Science Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Enoch Tay
- Research Education Network, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon C A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, A15 Science Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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26
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Villanueva-Lozano H, Trejo-Castro AI, Carrion-Alvarez D, Lozano-Díaz ST, Martinez-Torteya A. A Bibliometric Review on Candida auris of the First Fifteen Years of Research (2009-2023). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:2385018. [PMID: 37869631 PMCID: PMC10586903 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2385018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Candida auris is a relatively novel pathogen first described in 2009 in Japan. It has increased its presence worldwide, becoming a public health concern due to its innate resistance to antifungals and outbreak potential. Methods We performed a query using the word "Candida auris" from the Scopus database, further performing a bibliometric analysis with the open-source R package Bibliometrix. Results 907 original articles were retrieved, allowing us to map the principal authors, papers, journals, and countries involved in this yeast research, as well as analyze current and future trends and the number of published articles. Conclusion C. auris will continue to be a pivotal point in fungal resistance research, either for a better understanding of its resistance and pathogenic mechanisms or for developing novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiram Villanueva-Lozano
- Internal Medicine Department, ISSSTE Regional Monterrey, Monterrey 64380, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Alejandro I. Trejo-Castro
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64710, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
- Bicultural Nursing Program, Instituto Humanístico de la Salud, Nuevo Laredo 88000, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Diego Carrion-Alvarez
- Internal Medicine Department, ISSSTE Regional Monterrey, Monterrey 64380, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
- Health Sciences, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Sofía T. Lozano-Díaz
- Health Sciences, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Antonio Martinez-Torteya
- School of Engineering and Technology, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
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Salama EA, Eldesouky HE, Elgammal Y, Abutaleb NS, Seleem MN. Lopinavir and ritonavir act synergistically with azoles against Candida auris in vitro and in a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:106906. [PMID: 37392947 PMCID: PMC10528984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The emergence of Candida auris has created a global health challenge. Azole antifungals are the most affected antifungal class because of the extraordinary capability of C. auris to develop resistance against these drugs. Here, we used a combinatorial therapeutic approach to sensitize C. auris to azole antifungals. METHODS AND RESULTS We have demonstrated the capability of the HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir and ritonavir, at clinically relevant concentrations, to be used with azole antifungals to treat C. auris infections both in vitro and in vivo. Both lopinavir and ritonavir exhibited potent synergistic interactions with the azole antifungals, particularly with itraconazole against 24/24 (100%) and 31/34 (91%) of tested C. auris isolates, respectively. Furthermore, ritonavir significantly interfered with the fungal efflux pump, resulting in a significant increase in Nile red fluorescence by 44%. In a mouse model of C. auris systemic infection, ritonavir boosted the activity of lopinavir to work synergistically with fluconazole and itraconazole and significantly reduced the kidney fungal burden by a 1.2 log (∼94%) and 1.6 log (∼97%) CFU, respectively. CONCLUSION Our results urge further comprehensive assessment of azoles and HIV protease inhibitors as a novel drug regimen for the treatment of serious invasive C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab A Salama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Hassan E Eldesouky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Yehia Elgammal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Nader S Abutaleb
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Mohamed N Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
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Ramírez JD, Wang CY, Bolton D, Liggayu B, Schaefer S, Patel G, Javaid W, Cordon-Cardo C, Firpo-Betancourt A, Sordillo EM, Paniz-Mondolfi A. Molecular Detection of Candida auris Using DiaSorin Molecular Simplexa ® Detection Kit: A Diagnostic Performance Evaluation. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:849. [PMID: 37623620 PMCID: PMC10455898 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080849] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a globally emerging fungal pathogen that is associated with healthcare-related infections. The accurate and rapid detection of C. auris is crucial for effective infection prevention, control, and patient management. This study aimed to validate the analytical and diagnostic performance of the DiaSorin Molecular C. auris Detection Kit. The analytical specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the assay were evaluated. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 266 CFU/µL using the ZeptoMetrix Candida auris Z485 strain and standard calibration curves. The assay demonstrated high analytical specificity and showed no amplification against a diverse panel of bacteria and fungi. Clinical validation was conducted using deidentified residual axillary/groin surveillance culture specimens from C. auris culture-positive and culture-negative patients. The DiaSorin Molecular Detection Kit exhibited 100% agreement in sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) when compared to cultures coupled with MALDI-TOF identification. Intra- and inter-reproducibility testing demonstrated consistent and reliable diagnostic performance. This validated assay offers rapid and accurate detection of C. auris, facilitating timely implementation of infection control measures and appropriate patient care. The DiaSorin Molecular C. auris Detection Kit has the potential to aid in controlling the outbreaks caused by this emerging fungal pathogen. Providing a reliable diagnostic tool can contribute to the effective management and containment of C. auris infections in healthcare settings and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Ramírez
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-CIMBIUR (UR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 200433, Colombia
| | - Chin Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Deandra Bolton
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Bernadette Liggayu
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Sarah Schaefer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Gopi Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Waleed Javaid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.J.)
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Adolfo Firpo-Betancourt
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Emilia Mia Sordillo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.Y.W.); (D.B.); (B.L.); (C.C.-C.); (A.F.-B.); (E.M.S.)
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Ben Abid F, Salah H, Sundararaju S, Dalil L, Abdelwahab AH, Salameh S, Ibrahim EB, Almaslmani MA, Tang P, Perez-Lopez A, Tsui CKM. Molecular characterization of Candida auris outbreak isolates in Qatar from patients with COVID-19 reveals the emergence of isolates resistant to three classes of antifungal drugs. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1083.e1-1083.e7. [PMID: 37116861 PMCID: PMC10132836 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar, many patients who were severely ill were colonized and infected by Candida auris, an invasive multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen that spreads through nosocomial transmission within healthcare facilities. Here, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of these C. auris isolates and the mechanisms associated with antifungal drug resistance. METHODS Whole genomes of 76 clinical C. auris isolates, including 65 from patients with COVID-19 collected from March 2020 to June 2021, from nine major hospitals were sequenced on Illumina NextSeq. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were used to determine their epidemiological patterns and mechanisms for antifungal resistance. The data were compared with those published prior to the COVID-19 pandemic from 2018 to 2020 in Qatar. RESULTS Genomic analysis revealed low genetic variability among the isolates from patients with and without COVID-19, confirming a clonal outbreak and ongoing dissemination of C. auris among various healthcare facilities. Based on antifungal susceptibility profiles, more than 70% (22/28) of isolates were resistant to both fluconazole and amphotericin B. Variant analysis revealed the presence of multi-antifungal resistant isolates with prominent amino acid substitutions: Y132F in ERG11 and V704L in CDR1 linked to reduced azole susceptibility and the emergence of echinocandin resistance samples bearing mutations in FKS1 in comparison with pre-COVID-19 pandemic samples. One sample (CAS109) was resistant to three classes of antifungal drugs with a unique premature stop codon in ERG3 and novel mutations in CDR2, which may be associated with elevated amphotericin B and azole resistance. DISCUSSION Candida auris isolates from patients with COVID-19 and from most patient samples without COVID-19 in Qatar were highly clonal. The data demonstrated the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains that carry novel mutations linked to enhanced resistance to azoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B. Understanding the epidemiology and drug resistance will inform the infection control strategy and drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ben Abid
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Husam Salah
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Lamya Dalil
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ayman H Abdelwahab
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarah Salameh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emad B Ibrahim
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muna A Almaslmani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Tang
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andres Perez-Lopez
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Clement K M Tsui
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Fayed B, Lazreg IK, AlHumaidi RB, Qasem MAAA, Alajmy BMGN, Bojbarah FMAM, Senok A, Husseiny MI, Soliman SSM. Intra-clade Heterogeneity in Candida auris: Risk of Management. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:295. [PMID: 37486431 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a significant nosocomial fungal pathogen with a high risk of pathogenicity. Since the initial detection of C. auris in 2009, it gained lots of attention with a recent alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its high infectivity and drug resistance. Several studies showed the capability of C. auris to secrete lytic enzymes, germinate, and form a biofilm that eventually results in interactions with the host cells, leading to serious infections. Other studies demonstrated a decrease in susceptibility of C. auris strains to available antifungals, which may be caused by mutations within the target genes, or the drug efflux pumps. However, the contribution of C. auris heterogeneity in pathogenicity and drug resistance is not well studied. Here, we shed light on the factors contributing to the development of heterogeneity in C. auris. These include phenotypic changes, biofilm formation, mechanisms of drug resistance, host invasion, mode of transmission, and expression of virulence factors. C. auris exhibits different phenotypes, particularly aggregative, and non-aggregative forms that play an important role in fungal heterogeneity, which significantly affects drug resistance and pathogenicity. Collectively, heterogeneity in C. auris significantly contributes to ineffective treatment, which in turn affects the fungal pathogenicity and drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying reasons for C. auris heterogeneity and applying effective antifungal stewardship could play a major role in controlling this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imene K Lazreg
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Razan B AlHumaidi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Maryam A A A Qasem
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Bashayir M Gh N Alajmy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatemh M A M Bojbarah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Building 14 Dubai Healthcare City, P.O.Box 505055, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mohamed I Husseiny
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Translational Research & Cellular Therapeutics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
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Oliva A, De Rosa FG, Mikulska M, Pea F, Sanguinetti M, Tascini C, Venditti M. Invasive Candida infection: epidemiology, clinical and therapeutic aspects of an evolving disease and the role of rezafungin. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:957-975. [PMID: 37494128 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2240956] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invasive Candida Infections (ICIs) have undergone a series of significant epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical changes during the last decades, with a shift toward non-albicans species, an increase in the rate of exogenous infections and clinical manifestations ranging from candidemia to an array of highly invasive and life-threatening clinical syndromes. The long-acting echinocandin rezafungin exhibits potent in-vitro activity against most wild-type and azole-resistant Candida spp. including C.auris. AREAS COVERED The following topics regarding candidemia only and ICIs were reviewed and addressed: i) pathogenesis; ii) epidemiology and temporal evolution of Candida species; iii) clinical approach; iv) potential role of the novel long-acting rezafungin in the treatment of ICIs. EXPERT OPINION Authors' expert opinion focused on considering the potential role of rezafungin in the evolving context of ICIs. Rezafungin, which combines a potent in-vitro activity against Candida species, including azole-resistant strains and C.auris, with a low likelihood of drug-drug interactions and a good safety profile, may revolutionize the treatment of candidemia/ICI. Indeed, it may shorten the length of hospital stays when clinical conditions allow and extend outpatient access to treatment of invasive candidiasis, especially when prolonged treatment duration is expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Infectious Diseases, City of Health and Sciences, Turin, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Division of Infectious Diseases Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Pea
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department for Integrated Infectious Risk Management, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"; IRCCS, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Tascini
- Infectious Diseases Clinic: Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Toepfer S, Lackner M, Keniya MV, Zenz LM, Friemert M, Bracher F, Monk BC. Clorgyline Analogs Synergize with Azoles against Drug Efflux in Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:663. [PMID: 37367600 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060663] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Concern about the global emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens led us to explore the use of combination therapy to combat azole resistance in Candida auris. Clorgyline had previously been shown to be a multi-target inhibitor of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. A screen for antifungal sensitizers among synthetic analogs of Clorgyline detected interactions with the C. auris efflux pump azole substrates Posaconazole and Voriconazole. Of six Clorgyline analogs, M19 and M25 were identified as potential sensitizers of azole resistance. M19 and M25 were found to act synergistically with azoles against resistant C. auris clade I isolates and recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains overexpressing C. auris efflux pumps. Nile Red assays with the recombinant strains showed M19 and M25 inhibited the activity of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps that are known to play key roles in azole resistance in C. auris clades I, III, and IV. While Clorgyline, M19 and M25 uncoupled the Oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity of Cdr1 from C. albicans and C. auris, their mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated. The experimental combinations described herein provides a starting point to combat azole resistance dominated by overexpression of CauCdr1 in C. auris clades I and IV and CauMdr1 in C. auris clade III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Toepfer
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mikhail V Keniya
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA
| | - Lisa-Maria Zenz
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marianne Friemert
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brian C Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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Weerasinghe H, Simm C, Djajawi TM, Tedja I, Lo TL, Simpson DS, Shasha D, Mizrahi N, Olivier FAB, Speir M, Lawlor KE, Ben-Ami R, Traven A. Candida auris uses metabolic strategies to escape and kill macrophages while avoiding robust activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome response. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112522. [PMID: 37204928 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic adaptations regulate the response of macrophages to infection. The contributions of metabolism to macrophage interactions with the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris are poorly understood. Here, we show that C. auris-infected macrophages undergo immunometabolic reprogramming and increase glycolysis but fail to activate a strong interleukin (IL)-1β cytokine response or curb C. auris growth. Further analysis shows that C. auris relies on its own metabolic capacity to escape from macrophages and proliferate in vivo. Furthermore, C. auris kills macrophages by triggering host metabolic stress through glucose starvation. However, despite causing macrophage cell death, C. auris does not trigger robust activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consequently, inflammasome-dependent responses remain low throughout infection. Collectively, our findings show that C. auris uses metabolic regulation to eliminate macrophages while remaining immunologically silent to ensure its own survival. Thus, our data suggest that host and pathogen metabolism could represent therapeutic targets for C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Weerasinghe
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Claudia Simm
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tirta Mario Djajawi
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Irma Tedja
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tricia L Lo
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Daniel S Simpson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David Shasha
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Mizrahi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Françios A B Olivier
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mary Speir
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Kate E Lawlor
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Ronen Ben-Ami
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Beattie SR, Esan T, Zarnowski R, Eix E, Nett JE, Andes DR, Hagen T, Krysan DJ. Novel Keto-Alkyl-Pyridinium Antifungal Molecules Active in Models of In Vivo Candida albicans Vascular Catheter Infection and Ex Vivo Candida auris Skin Colonization. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0008123. [PMID: 37097144 PMCID: PMC10190616 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00081-23] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
New antifungal therapies are needed for both systemic, invasive infections in addition to superficial infections of mucosal and skin surfaces as well as biofilms associated with medical devices. The resistance of biofilm and biofilm-like growth phases of fungi contributes to the poor efficacy of systemic therapies to nonsystemic infections. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a novel keto-alkyl-pyridinium scaffold with broad spectrum activity (2 to 16 μg/mL) against medically important yeasts and molds, including clinical isolates resistant to azoles and/or echinocandins. Furthermore, these keto-alkyl-pyridinium agents retain substantial activity against biofilm phase yeast and have direct activity against hyphal A. fumigatus. Although their toxicity precludes use in systemic infections, we found that the keto-alkyl-pyridinium molecules reduce Candida albicans fungal burden in a rat model of vascular catheter infection and reduce Candida auris colonization in a porcine ex vivo model. These initial preclinical data suggest that molecules of this class may warrant further study and development for nonsystemic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Beattie
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Taiwo Esan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA
| | - Emily Eix
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA
| | - Timothy Hagen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
| | - Damian J. Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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35
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Carmo A, Rocha M, Pereirinha P, Tomé R, Costa E. Antifungals: From Pharmacokinetics to Clinical Practice. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050884. [PMID: 37237787 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antifungal drugs started in the 1950s with polyenes nystatin, natamycin and amphotericin B-deoxycholate (AmB). Until the present day, AmB has been considered to be a hallmark in the treatment of invasive systemic fungal infections. Nevertheless, the success and the use of AmB were associated with severe adverse effects which stimulated the development of new antifungal drugs such as azoles, pyrimidine antimetabolite, mitotic inhibitors, allylamines and echinochandins. However, all of these drugs presented one or more limitations associated with adverse reactions, administration route and more recently the development of resistance. To worsen this scenario, there has been an increase in fungal infections, especially in invasive systemic fungal infections that are particularly difficult to diagnose and treat. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the first fungal priority pathogens list, alerting people to the increased incidence of invasive systemic fungal infections and to the associated risk of mortality/morbidity. The report also emphasized the need to rationally use existing drugs and develop new drugs. In this review, we performed an overview of the history of antifungals and their classification, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) characteristics and clinical applications. In parallel, we also addressed the contribution of fungi biology and genetics to the development of resistance to antifungal drugs. Considering that drug effectiveness also depends on the mammalian host, we provide an overview on the roles of therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenomics as means to improve the outcome, prevent/reduce antifungal toxicity and prevent the emergence of antifungal resistance. Finally, we present the new antifungals and their main characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anália Carmo
- Advanced Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Personalized Therapeutics, Clinical Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marilia Rocha
- Advanced Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Personalized Therapeutics, Pharmacy Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patricia Pereirinha
- Advanced Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Personalized Therapeutics, Pharmacy Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Tomé
- Clinical Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eulália Costa
- Advanced Unit for Pharmacokinetics and Personalized Therapeutics, Clinical Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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36
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Roe K. Treatment alternatives for multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103596. [PMID: 37086779 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103596] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Several fungal pathogens are becoming resistant to conventional fungal infection treatments, and some fungal pathogens have become multidrug resistant. Alternative treatments include fungal vaccines, natural or synthetic monoclonal antibody (mAb) injections, or potentially natural or synthetic mAbs produced in vivo by packaged mRNA. Specifically synthesized proteins can mask distinctive pathogenic fungal surface proteins and target pathogenic fungal proteins to stop fungal infections. Treatments could use direct injections or injections of packaged mRNA with instructions for patient synthesis of either the natural or synthetic mAbs. These alternative treatments offer potentially significant advantages compared with existing treatments for fungal pathogens. Teaser: New fungal pathogen treatment approaches can use natural or synthetic monoclonal antibodies to activate immune cells and treat specific fungal infections that are now multidrug resistant to conventional antifungal drugs.
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37
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Zhu Y, Hager KM, Manjari SR, Banavali NK, Chaturvedi V, Chaturvedi S. Development and Validation of TaqMan Chemistry Probe-Based Rapid Assay for the Detection of Echinocandin-Resistance in Candida auris. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0176722. [PMID: 36975998 PMCID: PMC10117040 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01767-22] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen causing outbreaks in health care facilities worldwide, and the emergence of echinocandin-resistant C. auris is a concern. Currently used Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and commercial antifungal susceptibility tests (AFST) are phenotype-based, slow, and not scalable, limiting their effectiveness in the surveillance of echinocandin-resistant C. auris. The urgent need for accurate and rapid methods of assessment of echinocandin resistance cannot be overstated, as this class of antifungal drugs is preferred for patient management. We report the development and validation of a TaqMan chemistry probe-based fluorescence melt curve analysis (FMCA) following asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess mutations within the hot spot one (HS1) region of FKS1, the gene responsible for encoding 1,3-β-d-glucan synthase that is a target for echinocandins. The assay correctly identified F635C, F635Y, F635del, F635S, S639F or S639Y, S639P, and D642H/R645T mutations. Of these mutations, F635S and D642H/R645T were not involved in echinocandin resistance, while the rest were, as confirmed by AFST. Of 31 clinical cases, the predominant mutation conferring echinocandin resistance was S639F/Y (20 cases) followed by S639P (4 cases), F635del (4 cases), F635Y (2 cases), and F635C (1 case). The FMCA assay was highly specific and did not cross-react with closely and distantly related Candida and other yeast and mold species. Structural modeling of the Fks1 protein, its mutants, and docked conformations of three echinocandin drugs suggest a plausible Fks1 binding orientation for echinocandins. These findings lay the groundwork for future evaluations of additional FKS1 mutations and their impact on the development of drug resistance. The TaqMan chemistry probe-based FMCA would allow rapid, high throughput, and accurate detection of FKS1 mutations conferring echinocandin resistance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- YanChun Zhu
- Mycology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kelli M. Hager
- Mycology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Swati R. Manjari
- Division of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Nilesh K. Banavali
- Division of Translational Medicine, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Vishnu Chaturvedi
- Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Sudha Chaturvedi
- Mycology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, 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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Hirayama T, Miyazaki T, Sumiyoshi M, Ito Y, Ashizawa N, Takeda K, Iwanaga N, Takazono T, Yamamoto K, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Makimura K, Tsukamoto K, Kohno S, Mukae H. Echinocandin Resistance in Candida auris Occurs in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract Due to FKS1 Mutations. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0124322. [PMID: 36920237 PMCID: PMC10112215 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01243-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is resistant to multiple antifungal agents. This study investigated its antifungal susceptibility and explored FKS1 mutations across the isolates from mice enterically colonized with wild-type C. auris and treated with echinocandin. Resistant C. auris with FKS1 mutations, including S639F, S639Y, D642Y, R1354H, or R1354Y, were isolated and found to be micafungin- and caspofungin-resistant in vivo; however, the MICs of isolates with mutation in R1354 remained below the micafungin breakpoint in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taiga Miyazaki
- Division of Respirology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, and Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Makoto Sumiyoshi
- Division of Respirology, Rheumatology, Infectious Diseases, and Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ashizawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yamamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Makimura
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kohno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Alvarez-Moreno CA, Morales-López S, Rodriguez GJ, Rodriguez JY, Robert E, Picot C, Ceballos-Garzon A, Parra-Giraldo CM, Le Pape P. The Mortality Attributable to Candidemia in C. auris Is Higher than That in Other Candida Species: Myth or Reality? J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040430. [PMID: 37108885 PMCID: PMC10143486 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has become a major health threat due to its transmissibility, multidrug resistance and severe outcomes. In a case-control design, 74 hospitalised patients with candidemia were enrolled. In total, 22 cases (29.7%) and 52 controls (C. albicans, 21.6%; C. parapsilosis, 21.6%; C. tropicalis, 21.6%; C. glabrata, 1.4%) were included and analysed in this study. Risk factors, clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes of patients with C. auris and non-auris Candida species (NACS) candidemia were compared. Previous fluconazole exposure was significantly higher in C. auris candidemia patients (OR 3.3; 1.15–9.5). Most C. auris isolates were resistant to fluconazole (86.3%) and amphotericin B (59%) whilst NACS isolates were generally susceptible. No isolates resistant to echinocandins were detected. The average time to start antifungal therapy was 3.6 days. Sixty-three (85.1%) patients received adequate antifungal therapy, without significant differences between the two groups. The crude mortality at 30 and 90 days of candidemia was up to 37.8% and 40.5%, respectively. However, there was no difference in mortality both at 30 and 90 days between the group with candidemia by C. auris (31.8%) and by NACS (42.3%) (OR 0.6; 95% IC 0.24–1.97) and 36.4% and 42.3% (0.77; 0.27–2.1), respectively. In this study, mortality due to candidemia between C. auris and NACS was similar. Appropriate antifungal therapy in both groups may have contributed to finding no differences in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Alvarez-Moreno
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Clínica Universitaria Colombia, Clínica Colsanitas, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-31-4330-2367
| | - Soraya Morales-López
- Grupo CINBIOS, Programa de Microbiología, Universidad Popular del Cesar, Valledupar 200004, Colombia
| | - Gerson J. Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas del Cesar (CIMCE), Valledupar 200002, Colombia
| | - Jose Y. Rodriguez
- Centro de Investigaciones Microbiológicas del Cesar (CIMCE), Valledupar 200002, Colombia
| | - Estelle Robert
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, IICiMed, 10 UR1155, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Carine Picot
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, IICiMed, 10 UR1155, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Andrés Ceballos-Garzon
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, IICiMed, 10 UR1155, 44000 Nantes, France
- Unidad de Investigacion en Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de investigacion en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Claudia M. Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Investigacion en Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de investigacion en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, IICiMed, 10 UR1155, 44000 Nantes, France
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Ohashi Y, Matono T, Suzuki S, Yoshino S, Alshahni MM, Komori A, Makimura K. The first case of clade I Candida auris candidemia in a patient with COVID-19 in Japan. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:713-717. [PMID: 37001753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is a health hazard because of its antifungal resistance and the potential to cause healthcare-associated outbreaks. To our knowledge, no previous cases of candidemia caused by C. auris have been reported in Japan. Herein, we report the first known case of clade I C. auris candidemia in a Japanese man with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who was medically evacuated from the Philippines. A 71-year-old Japanese man traveled to Cebu Island in the Philippines 5 months before admission to our hospital. He contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the Philippines and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in a local hospital. During his medical evacuation, we implemented precautions given his history of COVID-19 and pneumonia caused by multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex. His blood culture revealed that C. auris infection was treated with antifungal agents but he did not survive. No evidence of nosocomial transmission was found among other patients in the ICU. This case study determines that accurate detection of C. auris, appropriate antifungal agent selection, precautions, and patient isolation are crucial to prevent nosocomial outbreaks, especially in patients with a history of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization or international hospitalization. Medical professionals should recognize the risk of MDROs in international medical evacuation settings, considering the recent resumption of cross-border travel after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Ohashi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Japan
| | - Takashi Matono
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Japan.
| | - Shotaro Suzuki
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Japan
| | - Shumpei Yoshino
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Aya Komori
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, Japan
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Sticchi C, Raso R, Ferrara L, Vecchi E, Ferrero L, Filippi D, Finotto G, Frassinelli E, Silvestre C, Zozzoli S, Ambretti S, Diegoli G, Gagliotti C, Moro ML, Ricchizzi E, Tumietto F, Russo F, Tonon M, Maraglino F, Rezza G, Sabbatucci M. Increasing Number of Cases Due to Candida auris in North Italy, July 2019-December 2022. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051912. [PMID: 36902700 PMCID: PMC10003924 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051912] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungus that represents a serious health threat globally. In Italy, the first case was detected in July 2019. Then, one case was reported to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on January 2020. Nine months later, a huge number of cases were reported in northern Italy. Overall, 361 cases were detected in 17 healthcare facilities between July 2019 and December 2022 in the Liguria, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto regions, including 146 (40.4%) deaths. The majority of cases (91.8%) were considered as colonised. Only one had a history of travel abroad. Microbiological data on seven isolates showed that all but one strain (85.7%) were resistant to fluconazole. All the environmental samples tested negative. Weekly screening of contacts was performed by the healthcare facilities. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were applied locally. The MoH nominated a National Reference Laboratory to characterise C. auris isolates and store the strains. In 2021, Italy posted two messages through the Epidemic Intelligence Information System (EPIS) to inform on the cases. On February 2022, a rapid risk assessment indicated a high risk for further spread within Italy, but a low risk of spread to other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Sticchi
- A.Li.Sa. Azienda Ligure Sanitaria, Ligurian Health Authority, 16121 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Raso
- Regional Epidemiology Reference Service for the Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases—Local Health Unit of Alessandria, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Lorenza Ferrara
- Regional Epidemiology Reference Service for the Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases—Local Health Unit of Alessandria, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Elena Vecchi
- Collective Prevention and Public Health Section—Directorate General for Personal Care, Health and Welfare—Emilia Romagna Region, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Loredana Ferrero
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Filippi
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Finotto
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Frassinelli
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Silvestre
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Susanna Zozzoli
- S.C. Health Directorate—P.O. Molinette—A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Ambretti
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Diegoli
- Collective Prevention and Public Health Section—Directorate General for Personal Care, Health and Welfare—Emilia Romagna Region, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Gagliotti
- Regional Health and Social Agency—Emilia Romagna Region, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Moro
- Regional Health and Social Agency—Emilia Romagna Region, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Ricchizzi
- Regional Health and Social Agency—Emilia Romagna Region, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Tumietto
- UO Antimicrobial Stewardship—AUSL Bologna, 40124 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Veneto Region, Directorate for Prevention, Veterinary Food Safety, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Michele Tonon
- Veneto Region, Directorate for Prevention, Veterinary Food Safety, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Francesco Maraglino
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Sabbatucci
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General Health Prevention, Communicable Diseases and International Prophylaxis, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Department Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Giacobbe DR, Mikulska M, Vena A, Di Pilato V, Magnasco L, Marchese A, Bassetti M. Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of candidemia due to multidrug-resistant Candida auris. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1061150. [PMID: 37746122 PMCID: PMC10512377 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1061150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Unità di Microbiologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Ashkenazi-Hoffnung L, Rosenberg Danziger C. Navigating the New Reality: A Review of the Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Candida auris, with a Focus on Children. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:176. [PMID: 36836291 PMCID: PMC9963988 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020176] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, Candida auris emerged across the world, causing nosocomial outbreaks in both pediatric and adult populations, particularly in intensive care settings. We reviewed the epidemiological trends and the clinical and microbiological characteristics of C. auris infection, focusing on the pediatric population. The review is based on 22 studies, which included about 250 pediatric patients with C. auris infection, across multiple countries; neonates and premature babies were the predominant pediatric patient group affected. The most common type of infection reported was bloodstream infection, which was associated with exceptionally high mortality rates. Antifungal treatment varied widely between the patients; this signifies a serious knowledge gap that should be addressed in future research. Advances in molecular diagnostic methods for rapid and accurate identification and for detection of resistance may prove especially valuable in future outbreak situations, as well as the development of investigational antifungals. However, the new reality of a highly resistant and difficult-to-treat pathogen calls for preparedness of all aspects of patient care. This spans from laboratory readiness, to raising awareness among epidemiologists and clinicians for global collaborative efforts to improve patient care and limit the spread of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ashkenazi-Hoffnung
- Department of Day Hospitalization and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Chen Rosenberg Danziger
- Department of Day Hospitalization, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
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Functional Expression of Recombinant Candida auris Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Enables Azole Susceptibility Evaluation and Drug Discovery. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020168. [PMID: 36836283 PMCID: PMC9960696 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris infections are difficult to treat due to acquired drug resistance against one or multiple antifungal drug classes. The most prominent resistance mechanisms in C. auris are overexpression and point mutations in Erg11, and the overexpression of efflux pump genes CDR1 and MDR1. We report the establishment of a novel platform for molecular analysis and drug screening based on acquired azole-resistance mechanisms found in C. auris. Constitutive functional overexpression of wild-type C. auris Erg11, Erg11 with amino acid substitutions Y132F or K143R and the recombinant efflux pumps Cdr1 and Mdr1 has been achieved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phenotypes were evaluated for standard azoles and the tetrazole VT-1161. Overexpression of CauErg11 Y132F, CauErg11 K143R, and CauMdr1 conferred resistance exclusively to the short-tailed azoles Fluconazole and Voriconazole. Strains overexpressing the Cdr1 protein were pan-azole resistant. While CauErg11 Y132F increased VT-1161 resistance, K143R had no impact. Type II binding spectra showed tight azole binding to the affinity-purified recombinant CauErg11 protein. The Nile Red assay confirmed the efflux functions of CauMdr1 and CauCdr1, which were specifically inhibited by MCC1189 and Beauvericin, respectively. CauCdr1 exhibited ATPase activity that was inhibited by Oligomycin. The S. cerevisiae overexpression platform enables evaluation of the interaction of existing and novel azole drugs with their primary target CauErg11 and their susceptibility to drug efflux.
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Kavaliauskas P, Grybaitė B, Vaickelionienė R, Sapijanskaitė-Banevič B, Anusevičius K, Kriaučiūnaitė A, Smailienė G, Petraitis V, Petraitienė R, Naing E, Garcia A, Mickevičius V. Synthesis and Development of N-2,5-Dimethylphenylthioureido Acid Derivatives as Scaffolds for New Antimicrobial Candidates Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Positive Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020220. [PMID: 36830130 PMCID: PMC9952208 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020220] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing antimicrobial resistance to last-line antimicrobials among Gram-positive pathogens remains a major healthcare emergency worldwide. Therefore, the search for new small molecules targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens remains of great importance. In this paper, we report the synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activity characterisation of novel thiazole derivatives using representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, including tedizolid/linezolid-resistant S. aureus, as well as emerging fungal pathogens. The 4-substituted thiazoles 3h, and 3j with naphthoquinone-fused thiazole derivative 7 with excellent activity against methicillin and tedizolid/linezolid-resistant S. aureus. Moreover, compounds 3h, 3j and 7 showed favourable activity against vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. Compounds 9f and 14f showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against drug-resistant Candida strains, while ester 8f showed good activity against Candida auris which was greater than fluconazole. Collectively, these data demonstrate that N-2,5-dimethylphenylthioureido acid derivatives could be further explored as novel scaffolds for the development of antimicrobial candidates targeting Gram-positive bacteria and drug-resistant pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Povilas Kavaliauskas
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Pathogenic Microbiology, Birštono Str. 38A, LT-59116 Prienai, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Grybaitė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rita Vaickelionienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Kazimieras Anusevičius
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-646-21841
| | - Agnė Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gabrielė Smailienė
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vidmantas Petraitis
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Pathogenic Microbiology, Birštono Str. 38A, LT-59116 Prienai, Lithuania
| | - Rūta Petraitienė
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Pathogenic Microbiology, Birštono Str. 38A, LT-59116 Prienai, Lithuania
| | - Ethan Naing
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew Garcia
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vytautas Mickevičius
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilėnų Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
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46
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Novel keto-alkyl-pyridinium antifungal molecules active in models of in vivo Candida albicans vascular catheter infection and ex vivo Candida auris skin colonization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.19.524835. [PMID: 36711909 PMCID: PMC9882332 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.19.524835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
New antifungal therapies are needed for both systemic, invasive infections as well as superficial infections of mucosal and skin surfaces as well as biofilms associated with medical devices. The resistance of biofilm and biofilm-like growth phases of fungi contributes to the poor efficacy of systemic therapies to non-systemic infections. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a novel keto-alkyl-pyridinium scaffold with broad spectrum activity (2-16 µg/mL) against medically important yeasts and moulds, including clinical isolates resistant to azoles and/or echinocandins. Furthermore, these keto-alkyl-pyridinium agents retain substantial activity against biofilm phase yeast and have direct activity against hyphal A. fumigatus . Although their toxicity precludes use in systemic infections, we found that the keto-alkyl-pyridinium molecules reduce C. albicans fungal burden in a rat model of vascular catheter infection and reduce Candida auris colonization in a porcine ex vivo model. These initial pre-clinical data suggest that molecules of this class may warrant further study and development.
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47
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Alavi M, Kahrizi D, Martinez F, Rai M. Editorial: Nanomaterials to combat pathogenic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1160196. [PMID: 37125191 PMCID: PMC10135854 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1160196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Alavi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
- Nanobiotechnology Department, Faculty of Innovative Science and Technology, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Danial Kahrizi
- Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fleming Martinez
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mahendra Rai
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba (SGB) Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
- *Correspondence: Mahendra Rai
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Synergistic Interaction of Caspofungin Combined with Posaconazole against FKS Wild-Type and Mutant Candida auris Planktonic Cells and Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111601. [PMID: 36421245 PMCID: PMC9686983 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111601] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a potential multidrug-resistant pathogen able to cause biofilm-associated outbreaks, where frequently indwelling devices are the source of infections. The number of effective therapies is limited; thus, new, even-combination-based strategies are needed. Therefore, the in vitro efficacy of caspofungin with posaconazole against FKS wild-type and mutant Candida auris isolates was determined. The interactions were assessed utilizing the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs), the Bliss model, and a LIVE/DEAD assay. Planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations (pMICs) for the caspofungin-posaconazole combination showed a 4- to 256-fold and a 2- to 512-fold decrease compared to caspofungin and posaconazole alone, respectively. Sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations (sMICs) for caspofungin and posaconazole in combination showed an 8- to 128-fold and a 4- to 512-fold decrease, respectively. The combination showed synergy, especially against biofilms (FICIs were 0.033-0.375 and 0.091-0.5, and Bliss cumulative synergy volumes were 6.96 and 32.39 for echinocandin-susceptible and -resistant isolates, respectively). The caspofungin-exposed (4 mg/L) C. auris biofilms exhibited increased cell death in the presence of posaconazole (0.03 mg/L) compared to untreated, caspofungin-exposed and posaconazole-treated biofilms. Despite the favorable effect of caspofungin with posaconazole, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential of this combination in C. auris-associated infections.
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Kohlenberg A, Monnet DL, Plachouras D. Increasing number of cases and outbreaks caused by Candida auris in the EU/EEA, 2020 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2022; 27:2200846. [PMID: 36398575 PMCID: PMC9673237 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.46.2200846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of cases of Candida auris infection or carriage and of countries reporting cases and outbreaks increased in the European Union and European Economic Area during 2020 and 2021. Eight countries reported 335 such cases in 2020 and 13 countries 655 cases in 2021. Five countries experienced outbreaks while one country reported regional endemicity. These findings highlight the need for adequate laboratory capacity and surveillance for early detection of C. auris and rapid implementation of control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Kohlenberg
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dominique L Monnet
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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The Changing Landscape of Invasive Fungal Infections in ICUs: A Need for Risk Stratification to Better Target Antifungal Drugs and the Threat of Resistance. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090946. [PMID: 36135671 PMCID: PMC9500670 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The landscape of invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis has changed dramatically in intensive care units over the past two decades. Today, we are faced with new risk factors such as the emergence of resistance, but are also equipped with new therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools which are changing epidemiological data and diagnostic algorithms. Some common points need to be addressed: (i) the best way to use microbiological tools and to integrate their results in decisional algorithms; (ii) the need to find the optimum balance between under-diagnosis and overtreatment; (iii) and the need to decipher pathophysiology. In this short review, we will try to illustrate these points.
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